TKO: Standing argument in copyright case falls

Description

Abstract: A copyright owner can’t give someone an exclusive enforceable right in a live event after the event has already occurred, right? That’s what the defendants in Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Griffith recently contended. But their argument fell short in light of some special circumstances. This article reviews the court’s finding that copyright law allows an owner to sue for infringement of an unregistered copyright as long as it registers the copyright within three months of the broadcast. Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Griffith, No. 21-6088 (6th Cir. Sept. 21, 2022).