Opinion ID: 2977607
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: White submits the demo to Universal

Text: White attempted to generate interest in the demo CD at various record companies. He had a business relationship with Adbul Fakir, a former member of the singing group “The Four Tops,” and White consulted with Fakir about potential contacts within the music industry. Andy McKaie, Senior Vice President of Artists and Repertoire for Universal Music Enterprises, a division of Universal Music Group Recordings, Inc., was one of the record executives Fakir knew, and Fakir permitted White to use his name as a reference with McKaie. McKaie’s division at Universal does not publish new music; it re-issues priorreleased songs in compilations, such as “greatest hits” albums. White pitched the Benevolent demo to McKaie by telephone in May of 2001, referencing Fakir. According to White, McKaie told him to “send the product in.” (Joint 1 Appendix (“JA”) 135.) Shortly thereafter, White hand-delivered a sealed package containing a demo CD, a cover letter, photographs of Acker, and White’s business card to the building in which McKaie’s office was located. After a few days, White called McKaie’s office and spoke to his secretary, JoAnn Frederick. According to White, Frederick said that McKaie was out of town, but the demo CD was “still on his desk, 1 Citations to the Joint Appendix refer to case number 07-1051, Plaintiffs’ appeal of the grant of summary judgment. Nos. 07-1051/1566 Jones et al. v. Blige et al. Page 4 [and] he is going to take a listen to it.” (JA 136.) White followed up with another call shortly thereafter and again spoke to Frederick, who allegedly told him that “their department had decided to pass on [the CD].” (JA 136.) At White’s request, Frederick returned the materials White had submitted, although she did not include the original envelope and cover letter, making it clear that White’s package had been opened. A handwritten note in the return package read: “Jim [White]: MCA is not accepting any unsolicited material at this time, Sorry. JoAnn.” (JA 19.) White also was unable to generate interest in the CD at other record companies. When he heard Mary J. Blige’s song “Family Affair” on the radio in August of 2001, White believed that it infringed “Party Ain’t Crunk,” which he had submitted to Universal, the publisher of Blige’s records.