
The heirs are asking for an injunction to stop CBS from exploiting the theme and is seeking damages for direct and contributory copyright infringement.ĬBS declined comment, saying it had not yet received the complaint.
Andy griffith theme song series#
“To the contrary, Plaintiffs have since learned that CBS has licensed the Series to digital services such as iTunes and Amazon for distribution and public performance.” “CBS has refused to enter into a new agreement with Plaintiffs to authorize its exploitation of the Theme in additional media or to otherwise cease conducting such unauthorized exploitation,” said attorney Neville Johnson in the complaint. CBS is, according to the complaint, relying on a 1978 agreement between Viacom and Mayberry Enterprises concerning rights to the series.

The suit claims CBS is selling DVDs of the series without licensing the music. They, in turn, dissolved Larrabee and gave partial copyright ownership to the Hagen Children’s Trust and the Hagen Decedent’s Trust. Spencer Trust and the Hagen Family Trust. Upon the songwriters’ deaths, the rights were transferred to The Diana R. If you dont feel like waiting for classmates to find you, take the lead by planning and promoting your next high school reunion yourself Our free Reunion Guide Book has everything you need to know. Rights to the theme music were transferred to a partnership, Larrabee Music. Reconnect with classmates, learn about upcoming school reunions, and order custom merchandise to show your school spirit. 'The Walking Dead' Lawsuit Judge Sends AMC, CAA & Frank Darabont's Lawyers To Judicial Equivalent Of Detention

Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer wrote the tune in the 1950s and registered its copyright in 1960, according to the complaint, which was filed Thursday in California federal court. The whistling theme opened and closed the show. The federal court suit against CBS claims that the network is using the work, titled “Theme For the Andy Griffith Show,” without a license. One of the most recognizable theme songs in television history is now the subject of a lawsuit by the heirs of the men who wrote it.
