Musicians Union Sues Fox, Universal Over 'Simpsons' Music

Buckle up for a lawsuit contending that music used at a Universal theme park roller coaster is a breach of a labor agreement.

Specifically, the union is objecting to a Simpsons roller coaster attraction at Universal Studios Theme Park in Hollywood that has been featuring the recorded music soundtrack from the show. The plaintiff union filed the lawsuit in California federal court, alleging that Universal obtained the recording without providing any notice.
The lawsuit states, "Universal's use of music sound track from The Simpsons at its park does not fall within any of the new use exceptions enumerated in Article 8 of the Agreement and, thus, is not an authorized new use under the Agreement."

Universal is objecting, of course. According to the complaint, the entertainment giant is contending that the use of the soundtrack is "promotional" in nature.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit adds that Fox is contending that it has transferred some of its intellectual property rights in The Simpsons to Universal.

But that hasn't taken Fox off the hook.

The American Federation of Musicians is suing both companies for breach of the labor agreement and is seeking injunctive relief. Further, the union wants economic damages for the musicians employed in the recording of the music for The Simpsons.

Read More: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/simpsons-fox-universal-sued-theme-377248