3 Count: Free Cuthbert

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1: Sony Music Ends Copyright Fight with Gymshark Over Social Media Posts

First off today, Blake Brittain at Reuters reports that Sony Music and UK fitness apparel brand Gymshark have settled their lawsuit over Gymshark’s alleged use of Sony’s music in social media posts.

The lawsuit was filed last year as Sony accused Gymshark of using Sony-owned music in their social media posts without permission. According to the lawsuit, Gymshark has an estimated 7 million followers on social media and willfully distributed Sony’s music to them as part of promotions for their brand.

However, that lawsuit has been settled with both sides moving to dismiss the case with prejudice. No additional details about the lawsuit have been revealed.

2: U.S. Seeks Significant Prison Sentence for SPARKS Member to Deter Other Pirates

Next up today, Ernesto Van der Sar at Torrentfreak writes that the U.S. government is asking a court to award a 27-33 month sentence to George Bridi for his role int he SPARKS piracy scene group.

Bridi was extradited from Cyprus to the United States, where he was accused of taking part in the SPARKS piracy group. The group obtained pre-release Blu-ray discs, which the group would release online illegally, though Bridi claimed that there was no financial motive for the group’s actions.

Bridi pleaded guilty, but his defense attorneys say that he has already spent 17 months in jail and that extending his sentence further would serve no purpose. However, the U.S. government is request a sentence of between 27 and 33 months, which is still far lower than the 5-year maximum he could face.

3: Marks & Spencer and Aldi Settle Colin the Caterpillar Copyright Dispute

Finally today, Amar Mehta at Sky News reports that UK retailer Marks & Spencer has reached a settlement with German competitor Aldi over similar caterpillar cakes that both stores sold.

The case began in April of last year when M&S accused Aldi of copyright infringement. M&S has a well-known Colin the Caterpillar cake, but Aldi released their own version named Cuthbert. Aldi briefly removed its version of the cake but began selling them again in May after making some design changes.

However, now it is being reported that the two sides have reached a confidential settlement in the matter. As such, both sides have asked for the case to be dismissed, something that the judge has granted.

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