Composer Harold Arlen’s Estate, Apple Agree to Dismiss Suit


Plaintiffs SA Music, LLC, and the estate of famed music composer Harold Arlen, who authored songs, such as “Over the Rainbow,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon” have filed a stipulation of dismissal against Defendant Apple. Arlen’s son, Sam Arlen, through the trust and his licensing business, dropped the suit with prejudice. A reason for the dismissal was not stated in the documents. The suit cannot be re-filed with the court in the future.

 Apple was accused of operating “massive music piracy operations” by reproducing, distributing, and selling Arlen’s work without the right licenses; therefore, Apple was sued for copyright infringement for not having the proper license to stream Arlen’s music. Apple did not obtain the required mechanical license to make this music available for purchase or stream on its platforms, according to SA Music. Apple and other music distributors were accused of using pirated versions of the songs. However, most of the other defendants had already been removed from the lawsuit; now the case against Apple is also dismissed.

The plaintiffs are represented by Schwartz, Ponterio & Levenson; Giskan Solotaroff & Anderson; and the Law Offices of Allen Hyman. Apple is represented by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. The suit was filed in the California Central District Court.