Ghostface Killah Loses Copyright Lawsuit To ‘Iron Man’ Composer
Three years ago, The Marvel Super Heroes music creator Jack Urbont filed a copyright lawsuit against Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah for using his Iron Man theme song on two tracks from his 2000 album, Supreme Clientele. In an unusual turn of events, the court ruled in favor of Urbont because Ghostface failed to show up for a deposition, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Apparently, the case took so long because Ghostface couldn't be reached. Urbont tried to serve the complaint to the rapper's business manager, but even their private investigator couldn't track him down. Ultimately, Ghostface was served with a publication notice. After the "Six Degrees" rapper refused to show up to the deposition hearing or make contact to reschedule, the judge had no choice but to rule in a default judgement in favor of the plaintiff last week (Nov. 6).
"We obviously are pleased with the court's decision and believe it to be correct and just," says Urbont's attorney Richard Busch. "As far as Mr. Coles (Ghostface) is concerned, we will now submit evidence on damages to establish actual and statutory damages for willful infringement of Mr Urbont's composition, and to establish our entitlement to actual and punitive damages for the willful infringement of Mr. Urbont's sound recording. The default judgment does not apply to Sony, so the claims against Sony remain to be litigated."
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