Though songs recorded before 1972 are not covered by U.S. federal copyright law, bands and recording labels have been seeking protection and royalties under state laws.
A U.S. judge has sided with members of the 1960s band the Turtles in their dispute with Sirius XM Holdings Inc., ruling the satellite radio provider infringed on copyrights by airing their pre-1972 songs without paying royalties.
The band’s label, “Flo & Eddie,” the judge ruled, “has the right to possess and use its sound recordings and prevent others from possessing and using them.”