Source: https://ja.scribd.com/document/371458324/Hall-v-Swift-Dismissal
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 02:57:28+00:00

Document:
Title: Sean Hall d.b.a. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music, et al. v. Taylor Swift, et al.
Opposition. (Docket No. 25). On January 29, 2018, Defendants filed a Reply.
Motion and held a hearing on February 12, 2018.
For the reasons set forth below, the Motion is GRANTED with leave to amend.
et al. they gonna ball / Shot callers. they gonna hate / Ballers. et al. 2001.000 units were sold. Accordingly. ¶ 19). CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. The album that Playas Gon’ Play appeared on – 3LW. (Id.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 2 of 16 Page ID #:274 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. meaning that more than 1. and Fox Family. including on Regis & Kelly. 25. haters. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. BACKGROUND A. I. ¶ 17).a. 3LW.” (Id. Plaintiffs acknowledge that the concepts of players / playas. 3LW’s self-titled debut album – was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. 20-3). The allegedly infringed lyrics are short phrases that lack the modicum of originality and creativity required for copyright protection. 15). (Id. a popular MTV music-video-request show at the time. appeared as the number-seven video on TRL. 2) (emphasis added). they gonna play / And haters. While the Court is extremely skeptical that Plaintiffs will – in a manner consistent with Rule 11 – be able to rehabilitate their copyright infringement claim in an amended complaint. 18). it was only of unprotected elements of Playas Gon’ Play. (Id. on March 7. aid of experts opining on various musical elements or a jury evaluating intrinsic similarities between the works. Ex.”) (Docket No. 3LW also performed Playas Gon’ Play several times on national television. ¶¶ 15. and player / playa haters were already firmly rooted in pop ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 2 . 17). v. ¶¶ 20.b. an all-girl group that gained popularity in the early 2000s. ¶¶ 16. performed Playas Gon’ Play and released it to the public in May 2001. (Id. if there was copying. Playas Gon’ Play peaked at number 81 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d.000. Declaration of Peter Anderson (“Anderson Decl. out of an abundance of forbearance it will give Plaintiffs a single opportunity to try. Any future dismissal will be without leave to amend. Taylor Swift. Plaintiffs’ Complaint Hall and Butler are co-authors and copyright owners of the musical composition titled Playas Gon’ Play. MTV. The chorus of Playas Gon’ Play consists of the following lyrics: “Playas. they gonna call / That ain’t got nothin’ to do / With me and you / That’s the way it is / That’s the way it is. (Complaint ¶¶ 1-2.
000.a. Taylor Swift. (Id. hate. fake. Plaintiff alleges that Sony and Kobalt co-own publishing rights in Shake it Off. break. Swift. et al.000 copies of Swift’s album 1989 – the album featuring Shake it Off – have been sold. break. (Id. Ex. and Schuster co-authored the musical combination titled Shake it Off. and Universal distributes Shake it Off. Big Machine is Swift’s record label and released Shake it Off. Plaintiff asserts a single claim of copyright infringement against all Defendants. Shake it Off debuted at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and remained on the chart for 50 consecutive weeks. The chorus of Shake it Off contains the following lyrics: “ ‘Cause the players gonna play. shake. hate / Baby I’m just gonna shake. (Id.000 copies of Shake it Off have been sold. Anderson Decl. ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 3 . shake. break / And the fakers gonna fake. et al. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. play. hate. More than 9. (Id. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. play. see id. ¶ 35).). 4) (emphasis added). break. and it was released to the public in August 2014. shake. ¶¶ 27-28. ¶¶ 41-50). shake. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. ¶ 20-25).b. ¶¶ 35-36).000. shake. ¶ 26). v. play / And the haters gonna hate. In 2014. fake. ¶¶ 6-9). (Id. but allege that “[t]he combination of playas/players playing along with hatas/haters hating … was completely original and unique” when the song was released in 2001.” (Id. (Complaint ¶ 20. Sandberg. shake / Shake it off / Shake it off / Heartbreakers gonna break. hate. and more than 6. (Id. shake. fake / Baby I’m just gonna shake. culture at the time Playas Gon’ Play was released. shake / Shake it off / Shake it off. fake.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 3 of 16 Page ID #:275 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. play. Swift performed and recorded the song. premised upon the lyrical similarities between Playas Gon’ Play and Shake it Off.
21-23). and you’re a hater. ¶ 14. Ex. Exs. (Id. et al.  Man U Luv to Hate. 9). CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13.” “Cause with these haters you gotta keep your strap.  “Player” was the name of a 1970s soft rock band. ¶ 16. ¶ 15. 9). 17). ¶ 11. Request for Judicial Notice In connection with their Motion. Ex. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. 15-16).” and “Boy get a job and quit hatin’.a. and “Why you playa hate?” (Id. 10-11). 18-20).” (Id.  Playa Playa is the title of a 1994 song by Big Mike. Exs. Ex. Exs.  The 1991 song Psychobetabuckdown by Cypress Hill includes the lyrics “You’re looking at the tribe. Exs.  Player’s Ball is the title of a 1993 song by Outkast.  Playa Hata is the title of a 1995 song by Luniz and includes these lyrics: “So playa hataz hate me. Taylor Swift. (Id. ¶ 17. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d.” “Why you wanna playa hate on me?”.b. (Id.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 4 of 16 Page ID #:276 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. Exs.  “Playa” was the name of a 1990s R&B musical group. (Id. 12-14). (Id.” “Playa’s in the house can you feel me. et al.” (Id. ¶ 9. Exs.” (Anderson Decl. v. ¶ 11. B. 5-7). ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 4 . includes the lyrics: “If you want to playa hate.  The Player is the title of a 1992 motion picture based on a 1988 novel titled The Player. ¶ 13. a 1996 song by Sir Mix-A-Lot. ¶ 12. Got these playa haters lookin’ at me silly. Defendants request that the Court take judicial notice of the following:  The song Dreams by Fleetwood Mac (1977) contains the lyrics “Players only love you when they’re playing.
201(b)(2).” and “We have. et al.” and “Aiyyo.  Don’t Hate the Player.” “Ice-T baby. ¶ 21. (Defendants’ Request for Judicial Notice in Support of Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim (“RJN”) (Docket No. a 1997 song by Notorious B.” Fed. this goes out to all you haters out there. And the Court finds that aforementioned band names. Plaintiffs do not oppose Defendants’ RJN. ¶ 19. contains the lyrics: “Bunch of players listenin’ to the seventh deadly sin. later for these hater-players. the playas. contains the lyrics: “Playa..b. a 2000 song by Too Short. later for the hater-players / Yo-yo.” “You never was a player. Taylor Swift.  Don’t Hate the Player. ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 5 .” and “Don’t hate the player. Accordingly. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. and song lyrics are appropriate subject matter of judicial notice. song titles. and we have.  Playa Hater.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 5 of 16 Page ID #:277 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. we can’t hate you.” “If you never was a player. turn your head round.” (Id.G. Exs. a 1999 song by Ice-T. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. Exs.I. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. 27-29). v.  Hater Players. contains the lyrics: “Don’t hate the player. includes the lyrics: “I’m sick of the hater-players. 33-35).a.” and “You think someone player hated. Defendants’ RJN is GRANTED. (c)(2). ¶ 12. the playa haters.” (Id. 30-32). Exs. R. et al.” (Id. Evid. yo-yo. ¶ 18. (See Plaintiffs’ Notice of Non- Opposition to Defendants’ Request for Judicial Notice (Docket No. 24). I can’t hate you. 24-26). Exs. All this information “can be accurately and readily determined by sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned.” (Id. 26)). a 1998 song by Black Star.
Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 6 of 16 Page ID #:278 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No...” Somers v.. No. “Determining whether a complaint states a plausible claim for relief is ‘a context-specific task that requires the reviewing court to draw on its judicial experience and common sense.’” Ebner v.”). to ‘state a claim for relief that is plausible on its face. Taylor Swift.. Pleading Standard “Dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6) is proper when the complaint either (1) lacks a cognizable legal theory or (2) fails to allege sufficient facts to support a cognizable legal theory. v. Dynamics C4 Sys. LLC v. U. 2013). The Court must disregard allegations that are legal conclusions. 637 F. the Court follows Bell Atlantic and Ashcroft v. at 681 (“It is the conclusory nature of respondent’s allegations. Inc. at 679). 1054 (9th Cir. Sept.’” Eclectic Properties. at 570). .S.3d at 995 (quoting Twombly. 2014). 13-56644. et al.’ plaintiffs must include sufficient ‘factual enhancement’ to cross ‘the line between possibility and plausibility.S.. that disentitles them to the presumption of truth. Iqbal. et al.3d 953. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13.3d 1047. Where the facts as pleaded in the complaint indicate that there are two alternative explanations. See id.a. 556 U. even when disguised as facts. Inc. based on the allegations that remain and all reasonable inferences that may be drawn therefrom. . 550 U. Apple. 996 (9th Cir.S. Gen. ex rel. Eclectic Properties E. 2016 WL 5389307. 550 U. ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 6 . the complaint alleges a plausible claim for relief. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. 556 U..3d 990. 959 (9th Cir. “Although ‘a well-pleaded complaint may proceed even if it strikes a savvy judge that actual proof is improbable. “plaintiffs cannot offer allegations that are merely consistent with their favored explanation but are also consistent with the alternative explanation. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. 556 U. DISCUSSION A. 556 U. a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter . 729 F. Legal Framework 1. at 678 (quoting Twombly.S. 751 F. at 556–57) (internal citations omitted). II. rather than their extravagantly fanciful nature. at *2 (9th Cir.S. “To survive a motion to dismiss.b. In ruling on the Motion under Rule 12(b)(6). 2011). at 679.S. 2016) (as amended) (quoting Iqbal. only one of which would result in liability. The Court must then determine whether. 662 (2009). Inc. 27.’” Iqbal. 751 F. Marcus & Millichap Co. v. Fresh.S. Cafasso. See Iqbal.
” Benay v. at *4 (C.2d 421.. CV 09-07070 SJO (AGRx). 845 (9th Cir. 624 (9th Cir. Defendants do not dispute Plaintiffs’ ownership of a valid copyright covering Playas Gon’ Play for purposes of this Motion. A plaintiff may establish copying through direct or circumstantial evidence. 1984)) (emphasis in original). et al. Carey.. 1987) (“Because direct evidence of copying is rarely available. see also Somers. . 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. Dreamworks. Inc. 2010) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted) (emphasis added). 423 (9th Cir.2d 1352.b.2d 421. Entm’t. [a plaintiff] must demonstrate (1) ownership of a valid copyright.”). 423 (9th Cir. Something more is needed. . Inc. v. Inc. 376 F.3d 620.” Swirsky v. Inc. MCA. The Court thus focuses exclusively on whether any elements of Shake it Off are substantially similar to protectable elements of Playas Gon’ Play. MCA. See Baxter v. Nor do Defendants dispute that they had access to Playas Gon’ Play prior to writing.a. Copyright Infringement Generally “To prevail on [a] copyright infringement claim.3d at 996–97. 2004) (emphasis in original). Circumstantial evidence of copying may include “(1) defendant’s access to the copyrighted work prior to creation of defendant’s work and (2) substantial similarity of both general ideas and expression between the copyrighted work and the defendant’s work. 1987). Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. 2010 WL 5790251. 2010) (quoting Litchfield v. 812 F.” Eclectic Properties. a plaintiff may establish copying by circumstantial evidence . 812 F. 1357 (9th Cir. No. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13.3d 841. 28.D. 2. 607 F. Cal. et al. such as facts tending to exclude the possibility that the alternative explanation is true..Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 7 of 16 Page ID #:279 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. Warner Bros. “Because the requirement is one of substantial similarity to protected elements of the copyrighted work. Dec. and releasing Shake it Off. Taylor Swift. 736 F. Spielberg. recording. it is essential to distinguish between the protected and unprotected material in a plaintiff’s work.” Baxter v. ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 7 . 729 F. ‘A plaintiff must show ‘substantial similarities of both ideas and expression. 751 F.3d at 960.. .’” Buggs v. and (2) copying of constituent elements of the work that are original. in order to render plaintiffs’ allegations plausible.
Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music.. if not most. harmony. Walser opined that the two songs had substantially similar choruses. 1360–61 (9th Cir. A failure to satisfy the extrinsic component on a motion to dismiss thus requires judgment for the defendant as a matter of law. April 8. Cal. 2006). Extrinsic vs.. chair of the Musicology Department at the University of California at Los Angeles.” Swirsky. which is expressly reserved for the jury. Instead. 1990).” Funky Films. Taylor Swift. 1077 (9th Cir. Because similarities between snippets of lyrics alone is an issue that is well within the ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 8 . among other similarities. L. Robert Walser. or other musical similarities. On the basis of his aural assessment of [the two relevant songs]. Skidmore v. 2016 WL 1442461. v. “In analyzing musical compositions under the extrinsic test. tempo. et al. Time Warner Entm’t Co. 462 F.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 8 of 16 Page ID #:280 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. Plaintiffs do not contend that Playas Gon’ Play and Shake it Off share any significant rhythmic. See Shaw v. Lindheim. 462 F. In many. Swirsky. A finding of substantial similarity under the extrinsic component is a necessary prerequisite to considering the intrinsic component. e. rhythm. cadence. Led Zeppelin.”). v.g.g. Plaintiffs focus exclusively on similarities between portions of the songs’ lyrics. CV 15-3462 RGK (AGRx)... melody. that the similarity was ‘substantial’ [as] to ‘protected elements’ of the copyrighted work. Intrinsic Components of Substantial Similarity “The substantial-similarity test contains an extrinsic and intrinsic component. copyright infringement lawsuits involving music. 919 F. Dr. Inc. 376 F. at *16 (C. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13.b. 376 F.P.D. “repeated A-minor descending chromatic bass lines lasting 13 seconds and separated by a bridge or either seven or eight measures”). 2016) (discussing. See Funky Films. See.3d at 845 (“The expert testimony on which Swirsky relied was that of Dr. the extrinsic test is satisfied. et al. courts are called upon to evaluate expert testimony concerning extrinsic similarities in the way the relevant songs sound. through expert testimony that addresses some or all of these elements [e. lyrics] and supports its employment of them. Here.3d at 849.a.2d 1353. No. melodic. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. pitch. 3. harmonic.3d at 1077.3d 1072. [the Ninth Circuit] has never announced a uniform set of factors to be used… So long as the plaintiff can demonstrate.
______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 9 . nor is the Ninth Circuit’s extrinsic/intrinsic test particularly apt. 3d 1123 (C. v.’”) (quoting Christianson v. et al. No. expert opinions would not be helpful.D. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. Can the Issue be Decided Now? While the question of whether the allegedly infringing work is sufficiently similar to the allegedly infringed work to give rise to liability for infringement is often resolved on summary judgment or by a jury. 203 (9th Cir. 149 F. 2d 1108. 4. Thomas v. See Peter F. Shame on You Productions. LLC v. there is no logical reason to delay the inevitable when the Court already has the allegedly infringed and infringing works before it on a motion to dismiss. West Pub. Elizabeth Banks. Accordingly. non-infringement can be determined on a motion to dismiss. 2015) (evaluating extrinsic factors and granting motions to dismiss and for judgment on the pleadings based upon lack of substantial similarity between plaintiff’s screenplay and defendants’ movie). Gaito Architecture. 65 (2d Cir. Walt Disney Co. Cal. the district court has before it all that is necessary to make a comparison of the works in question. 1111 (N.a. 1945)).3d 57. Taylor Swift. Simone Development Corp. we see no error in the district court’s decision to resolve the question of substantial similarity as a matter of law on a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss. Cal. 2010) (“We … acknowledge that there can be certain instances of alleged copyright infringement where the question of substantial similarity cannot be addressed without the aid of discovery and expert testimony… But where.. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. Inc. 120 F. Walt Disney Co. capable of examination and comparison.”). Feb. Supp. 2008 WL 425647 (N..D.2d 202.D. Co. Cal. 2008) (evaluating extrinsic factors and granting motion to dismiss based upon lack of similarity between the plaintiff’s story and the film Finding Nemo). 718 F. C-07-4392 CW... 2010) (“‘When the copyrighted work and the alleged infringement are both before the court. 602 F. the Court proceeds to consideration of similarity between Playas Gon’ Play and Shake it Off. et al. Court’s purview (or the purview of any layman).b. Courts have decided issues of similarity based upon the pleadings and the works themselves before. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. 14. v. as here.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 9 of 16 Page ID #:281 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. and this Court sees no reason not to do it in this case. Campbell v. Supp.
hate. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. including any accompanying words. they gonna play / And haters. play.” The lynchpin of this entire case is thus whether or not the lyrics “Playas. regardless of whether any other musical elements of Playas Gon’ Play were copied. unaccompanied by music. the copyright in a ‘musical work’ protects against unauthorized use of the music alone or the words alone. play. or only the music.’ Suppose that plaintiff’s work includes both music and ‘accompanying’ words. but that defendant copies only plaintiff’s words. they gonna hate” are eligible for protection under the Copyright Act. from which they can be ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 10 . The Copyright Act protects “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. Songwriter 1 may assert a copyright infringement claim against Songwriter 2 based upon Songwriter 2’s copying of Songwriter 1’s music. The only obvious similarities between the two works is that Playas Gon’ Play contains the lyrics “Playas. unaccompanied by the words. v. lyrics. or some combination thereof.b.05[C] (2017). and remains clear under the current Act. Taylor Swift. Thus Plaintiffs could feasibly have a viable copyright infringement claim against Defendants based upon Defendants’ copying of Plaintiffs’ lyrics alone.” and Shake it Off contains the lyrics “‘Cause the players gonna play. Plaintiffs’ Copyright Infringement Claim As an initial matter. play. under the 1909 Act. they gonna hate. 1 Nimmer on Copyright § 2. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. play / And the haters gonna hate. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. It was clear. et al. hate. now known or later developed.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 10 of 16 Page ID #:282 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. they gonna play / And haters. As explained in Nimmer on Copyright: [T]he Copyright Act expressly provides for the protection of ‘musical works. B. hate. et al. Plaintiffs do not allege that Defendants copied anything other than lyrics. that if words and music have been integrated into a single work.a. or of a combination of music and words. hate.
Rural Tel. at 362). 212 F... Any copyrighted expression must be “original. at 10-12). among others. “Ordinary phrases are not entitled to copyright protection… Phrases and expressions conveying an idea typically expressed in a limited number of stereotyped fashions are not subject to copyright protection. 911 (9th Cir.3d 477. Taylor Swift. (See Mot.S. 2003) (citing Feist Pubs..C. Those two elements. Defendants are correct that short phrases are generally not accorded protection.S. 810 (9th Cir. Serv. “There must be something more than a ‘merely trivial’ variation. 345 (1991)). 499 U. 489 (9th Cir. 872 F. (quoting Three Boys Music Corp. v. et al.” Narell v. 323 F.b. 340. et al. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13.” 1 Nimmer on Copyright § 2. apply to the domain of music no less than to any other subject matter of copyright protection.3d 805.” 17 U. 1989) (holding that the following phrases. v. they gonna hate” is not entitled to copyright protection because it is merely a short phrase and short phrases are not afforded protection under the Copyright Act. signifying that the work has a spark that goes beyond the banal or trivial. a song.” Id. § 102(a) (emphasis added). Inc. must be sufficiently original and creative to warrant copyright protection: [C]opyrightable works require two ingredients. many cases refer interchangeably to each of them as “originality. perceived. Co.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 11 of 16 Page ID #:283 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. reproduced or otherwise communicated. either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. of course. As with any other artistic medium.” Id. 499 U.S. Although the two are distinct. (citing Feist. unfortunately. or a portion of a song. it is not negligible. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. that defendant copied were not subject to protection: “river wound its way between muddy banks crawling with ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 11 . Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music.a. something recognizably the artist’s own. “Although the amount of creative input by the author required to meet the originality requirement is low. 2000)).” Satava v. Freeman. Defendants first argue that “Playas. which signifies that the work originates in the author rather than having been copied from past sources. The second is creativity.05[B] (2017) (emphasis in original). The first is originality. they gonna play/And haters.2d 907. Lowry.
v.2d 705. 2012) (“[W]hile both this court and the Copyright Office have generally recognized that short phrases may not be subject to copyrightability…. Nos. Supp.. applicability of this law very much turns on the specific short phrases at issue. courts have recognized that there may be exceptions to the general rule that short phrases are not protectable where a short phrase is sufficiently creative.”). Inc. Forrest. As Plaintiffs point out.g. 2015) (“[B]revity does not preclude copyright protection. Jostens. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. 806. v. 978 F. The opening sentence of a poem may contain sufficient creativity to warrant copyright protection whereas a more prosaic sentence of similar length may not.01[B]).D. two words) the greater must be the degree of creativity in order to claim copyright protection. Society of Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Inc. they gonna play/And haters. Inc.”). 2015 WL 195822.. e. 13.b. 2d 1031. 52 (1st Cir.3d 29. Appx. 155 F. Even marginally longer phrases (‘if no pulse. 14 Civ. 1972) (advertising phrase “most personal sort of deodorant” not protectable). or you’ll fall for anything” not protectable). see generally 1 Nimmer on Copyright § 2. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. Does. 455 Fed. 2011) (“[T]he copyrightability of a very short textual work – be it word. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. et al.3d 140. 809 (10th Cir. 14 Civ. Bennett.. phrase. Plaintiffs argue that their short phrase – “Playas. 1998) (song lyrics “You’ve got to stand for something. 1041-42 (C. 711 (7th Cir. they gonna hate” – is sufficiently creative to warrant protection.. v. The Court disagrees. see also Acuff- Rose Music. as not all short phrases will automatically be deemed uncopyrightable…”). 1304(PAE). 2011) (“‘[A] short phrase may command copyright protection if it exhibits sufficient creativity … The smaller the effort (e. start CPR’) are appropriately denied copyright protection. 466 F. Cal. et al.Y. Andrea Dumon. at *5 (S.D. 1307 (PAE).” and “beach was strewn with boxes. sentence. 689 F.N.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 12 of 16 Page ID #:284 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. Alberto-Culver Co. Gregory.01[B] (“The refusal to protect short phrases applies a fortiori to one or two words. Syrus v.’”) (quoting 1 Nimmer on Copyright § 2. bales”).a.g. ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 12 .”).” “hordes of gold seekers. v. Jan. 143-44 (2d Cir. See. Inc. Fischer v. Taylor Swift.” “shanties and corrugated [iron/steel] shacks … were crowded together. Stern v. alligators. or stanza – depends on the presence of creativity.
” (Id. (See Complaint ¶¶ 24-25. haters. Plaintiffs explain that Playas Gon’ Play “used the terms in the context of a third party.” or “swimmers gonna swim. they gonna play” and “haters. Plaintiffs’ combination of “playas. Taylor Swift.).” “drummers gonna drum. 323 F. they gonna hate” – two elements that would not have been subject to copyright protection on their own – ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 13 . 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. emphasis in original). et al. “It is true. at 8). by 2001.3d at 811 (internal citations omitted. popular culture was adequately suffused with the concepts of players and haters to render the phrases “playas … gonna play” or “haters … gonna hate.” (Opp. they gonna hate” is sufficiently creative to warrant copyright protection. no more creative than “runners gonna run. In the early 2000s. et al. The concept of actors acting in accordance with their essential nature is not at all creative. of course. they allege that they “originated the linguistic combination of playas/players playing along with hatas/haters hating…” (Complaint ¶ 24). and their entire case. Opp.” and a “playa hater” being “one who is notably jealous of the ‘playas’” success. stating that other people will do what they will and positively affirming that they won’t let the judgment of others affect them. Looking at this case from a combination-of-unprotected-elements perspective. Although Plaintiffs recognize as much.” Satava.a.b. it is banal. Plaintiffs explain that the plethora of prior works that incorporated “the terms ‘playa’ and hater together all revolve about the concept of ‘playa haters’” – a “playa” being “one who is successful at courting women. American popular culture was heavily steeped in the concepts of players. the narrator of a song who is neither a ‘playa’ nor a hater.” standing on their own. that a combination of unprotectable elements may qualify for copyright protection… But it is not true that any combination of unprotectable elements is eligible for copyright protection… [A] combination of unprotectable elements is eligible for copyright protection only if those elements are numerous enough and their selection and arrangement original enough that their combination constitutes an original work of authorship. they gonna play” and “haters. As reflected in Defendants’ RJN.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 13 of 16 Page ID #:285 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. and player haters. at 9-10). and as Plaintiffs acknowledge. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. on the notion that the combination of “playas. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. v.” Plaintiffs therefore hinge their creativity argument.
. 345 F.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 14 of 16 Page ID #:286 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. are distinguishable because they involve physical elements. proportion.”). Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. Neither Satava.” 1 Nimmer on Copyright § 2.”). words. the lyrics in question are not sufficiently creative to warrant protection. at 812 (“The combination of unprotectable elements in Satava’s sculpture falls short of this standard. rather than words. 2003) (“Lamps Plus’s mechanical combination of four preexisting ceiling- lamp elements with a preexisting table-lamp base did not result in the expression of an original work as required by § 101 [of the Copyright Act]. Looking at this this case from a potentially-protectable-short-phrase perspective. If the touchstone of copyrightability is originality and creativity. the ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 14 . See id. like Satava and Lamps Plus. Even if. v. the category of preexisting elements that an artist incorporates into his work (e.g. et al. at 10). Plaintiffs’ counsel suggested that other combination-of- unprotected-elements cases. The selection of clear glass. Lamps Plus. such as “players” and “haters. Christmas ornaments) really should not matter. what matters is whether the artist combined preexisting elements in such a way as to convert them into a sufficiently original and creative whole. Inc.a.b. And the Court is unpersuaded that Plaintiffs’ distinction matters. et al. as Plaintiffs contend. bright colors. lacks the quantum of originality needed to merit copyright protection. oblong shroud. vertical orientation. such as jellyfish.g. “It appears … that there is a reciprocal relationship between creativity and independent effort: the smaller the effort (e.. Lamps Plus. Seattle Lighting Fixture Co. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. At the hearing. two words) the greater must be the degree of creativity in order to claim copyright protection. were inextricably intertwined with one another. and stereotyped jellyfish form. marine animals. 1147 (9th Cir. v. nor any other relevant authority supports Plaintiffs’ position that there is some meaningful difference between words and physical objects. is not entitled to protection. Plaintiffs were the first to employ the concepts of players playing and haters hating for the purpose of expressing “the idea of not concerning yourself with what other people do and think” (Opp.. As noted in Nimmer.” that reflect concepts.01[B]. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. is not enough. given pop culture at the time. Two unprotectable elements that.3d 1140. considered together. Taylor Swift.
” In order for such short phrases to be protected under the Copyright Act. In light of the fact that the Court seemingly “has before it all that is necessary to make a comparison of the works in question. 602 F.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 15 of 16 Page ID #:287 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. out of an abundance of caution. Taylor Swift. and uncreative to warrant protection under the Copyright Act. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. is simply not enough. hoping to convey the notion that one should persist regardless of others’ thoughts or actions. focused on both players playing and haters hating when numerous recent popular songs had each addressed the subjects of players. Gaito Architecture. To explicitly state the argument is to see how banal the asserted creativity is. If there are not. ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 15 .3d at 65. the Court will allow Plaintiffs one opportunity to amend. At the hearing. haters. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. and player haters had received substantial pop culture attention prior to 2001. The more efficient course would be for Plaintiffs to consent to judgment being entered against them so that they may pursue an appeal if they believe that is appropriate. v.a. the Court discourages actual amendment. It is hardly surprising that Plaintiffs. this argument does not persuade. In sum. unoriginal. haters. et al. both well- worn notions as of 2001. allegedly-infringed lyrics consist of just six relevant words – “playas … gonna play” and “haters … gonna hate. thereby suggesting that “[noun] gonna [verb]” was creative in itself. The argument ultimately only makes sense if the use of “gonna” as a contraction of “is going to” is sufficiently creative. the lyrics at issue – the only thing that Plaintiffs allege Defendants copied – are too brief. players.” Peter F. they must be more creative than the lyrics at issue here. or (as discussed above) one can claim creativity in asserting that a type of person acts in accordance with his or her inherent nature. just in case there are more similarities between Playas Gon’ Play and Shake it Off than Plaintiffs have alleged thus far (which Plaintiffs’ counsel did not suggest at the hearing). CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. In short. et al. However.b. and player haters. the Court is inclined to grant the Motion without leave to amend. albeit to convey different messages than Plaintiffs were trying to convey. Plaintiffs’ counsel offered alternative (very clunky) formulations of pairing a noun with its intransitive verb. As discussed above. While clever. combining two truisms about playas and haters.
there will be no second. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons. Taylor Swift. 2018 Title: Sean Hall d. the Motion is GRANTED with leave to amend.Case 2:17-cv-06882-MWF-AS Document 30 Filed 02/13/18 Page 16 of 16 Page ID #:288 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Case No. 2018. Should Plaintiffs elect to file a first amended complaint.b. they must do so by February 26. ______________________________________________________________________________ CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL 16 . IT IS SO ORDERED. et al.a. Gimme Some Hot Sauce Music. CV 17-6882-MWF (ASx) Date: February 13. III. v. Any future motion to dismiss will be granted without leave to amend. While there may be a first amended complaint. et al.

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