Trump Campaign Faces Legal Battle Over Use of Isaac Hayes' Song
The estate of Isaac Hayes has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump’s campaign for allegedly using the song "Hold On, I'm Comin'" without authorization at campaign events. The complaint, filed by Isaac Hayes III, claims 134 counts of copyright infringement and seeks $3 million in damages, demanding $150,000 per unauthorized use. The estate is pushing for an emergency injunction to prevent further use of the song, with a hearing scheduled in federal court in Atlanta.
In response, the Trump campaign contends that the Hayes estate does not hold the copyright to the song, arguing that Universal Music Group Publishing and Warner Chappell Music Publishing are the rightful owners responsible for licensing. The campaign also claims to have a valid music license with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) effective from November 30, 2022. Additionally, the Trump campaign argues that Hayes supported Republican causes and would not have objected to the song's use.
The case is set to be heard by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. on September 3. The Hayes estate is pressing for the campaign to cease using the song and pay the demanded licensing fees by August 16, 2024, threatening further legal action if the demands are not met. The court’s decision will address whether the Trump campaign must stop using the song and settle the allegations of copyright infringement.
