On July 17, 2012, Papa Berg, Inc. filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of Texas against Defendants World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Stephanie Music Publishing, Inc., Michael Seitz a/k/a Michael Hayes, and James Alan Johnston.
Papa Berg, according to the complaint (available here), “writes influential professional wrestling-related music,” including songs used as “entrance” music for wrestling stars. Papa Berg claims that defendants had improperly registered his music to divert royalties to themselves. The lawsuit seeks, among other things, a declaratory judgment regarding copyright infringement, and further asserts claims for unfair competition, tortious interference with existing and potential business relations, civil conspiracy, and money had and received.
Judge Boyle has been assigned the case.
Papa Berg is represented by Mark Taylor and Peyton Healey, both of Powers Taylor LLP.