What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The South Korean Supreme Court has rejected a damage claim by American composer Jonathan Wright, who accused Pinkfong, a South Korean kids content company, of plagiarizing his version of 'Baby Shark.' The court upheld previous rulings that found no sufficient grounds for copyright infringement, stating Wright's version did not differ enough from the original melody to qualify for protection. Pinkfong's 'Baby Shark' became a global phenomenon after its release in 2015, with significant revenue generated from various media adaptations.
Why It's Important?
This ruling highlights the challenges of copyright claims involving traditional melodies, which are often considered derivative works. The decision underscores the importance of substantial modifications for a work to be eligible for copyright protection. The outcome is significant for content creators and companies relying on traditional tunes, as it sets a precedent for similar cases. Pinkfong's continued success with 'Baby Shark' demonstrates the commercial potential of children's content, impacting the entertainment industry and related sectors.
AI Generated Content
Do you find this article useful?