Isaac Hayes III and the Trump campaign are in a legal dispute over the usage rights of "Hold On, I'm Coming," a song co-written by Isaac Hayes and Dave Porter in 1966 for Sam & Dave.

The ownership timeline:

• Initially, rights were split between Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Warner Chappell Music Publishing
• In 2014, Isaac Hayes Enterprises filed for copyright termination
• On March 15, 2022, Isaac Hayes Enterprises regained 50% ownership
• In March 2023, Hayes Enterprises partnered with Primary Wave Music IP Fund 3:
  • Primary Wave received 25% ownership
  • Hayes Enterprises retained 25% ownership

The current dispute centers on:

1. Trump campaign's usage of the song at political rallies
2. The campaign claims they have proper licensing
3. Hayes Enterprises documents:
   • 28 unauthorized uses before obtaining a political license
   • 18 unauthorized uses after license termination
   • Valid BMI political license only existed from November 30, 2022 to June 5, 2024

Sam Moore, the original performer, supports Trump and opposes the litigation, claiming it's politically motivated. Hayes Enterprises maintains the case is strictly about copyright infringement and unauthorized endorsement.

An Atlanta judge has issued a preliminary injunction, preventing the Trump campaign from future use of the song while allowing existing recordings to remain. The case is ongoing.

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