Guyanese Eddy Grant Wins Copyright Case Against Donald Trump: Why It Matters for Creators Everywhere
Guyanese-British singer Eddy Grant scored a major legal win against former President Donald Trump.
Trump used a 40-second clip of Grant's song in a 2020 campaign video without permission, leading to a four-year court battle. A Manhattan judge ruled that Trump breached Grant's copyright, ordering him to pay damages and legal fees.
Grant was born in Plaisance, Guyana and his music gained global recognition. “Electric Avenue” was inspired by the 1981 Brixton riots and became a symbol of social unrest. This case is more than just about one song—it highlights the critical importance of copyright for artists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds like Grant.
Copyright registration gives artists the legal backing to protect their creative work, ensuring they're compensated fairly and can maintain control over how their work is used. Copyright law protects the heart and soul of artistic expression, ensuring that even the most powerful figures, like politicians, aren’t above the law. Registering your work is essential for safeguarding your rights unauthorized use and bringing a lawsuit.
Grant's victory is not just a personal win but a strong message in support of artists' rights, and the rights of the Caribbean people.
Plaisance, Guyana
Plaisance is a historic village on the East Coast of Demerara, Guyana. It is known for its pivotal role in the post-Emancipation Village Movement. After the abolition of slavery in 1838, formerly enslaved Africans pooled their resources to purchase land. In 1842, 65 Africans collectively bought 505 acres of Plantation Cotton (from the Waterbodt family through Mr. A J Waterbodt) transforming it into Plaisance village. This movement allowed newly freed Africans to establish independent settlements, complete with their own schools, churches, and farms. In 1966, to commemorate Guyana’s independence, Plaisance unveiled a monument honoring the original landowners who helped establish the village.
The monument, a pillar-style structure located in the Zoar Congregational Church compound on Prince William Street, also highlights significant events, including the first fully elected village council in 1960 and the royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on February 5, 1966. The Zoar Congregational Church itself is an important historical site, with origins tracing back to the 1840s, when the village was first formed by formerly enslaved Africans.
References: https://villagevoicenews.com/2023/02/05/the-village-movement-and-the-establishment-of-guyanese-african-identity/ https://ntg.gov.gy/monument/plaisance-monument/
For more information on copyrights, visit BrandDiplomacy.com.
By Melissa R. | This content is copyright of West Indian Diplomacy, LLC and may not be reproduced without permission.
She runs West Indian Diplomacy, a Caribbean blog aimed at promoting West Indian history and business in the global marketplace. Melissa has been an attorney for over 10 years. She currently focuses on trademark registration, trademark searches, and office actions. She also has extensive legal experience in the areas of trademarks, copyrights, contracts, and business formations. She owns her own Trademark Law Firm that is virtually based out of Fort Lauderdale.
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