Jackson Browne sues McCain for song misuse

Washington, Aug 15 : Legendary Rock and Roll artist, Jackson Browne, has filed a suit against US Presidential candidate John McCain and the Republican National Committee for using his biggest hit, "Running on Empty," in an Obama-slamming campaign ad without his permission. Browne, a Democratic supporter, has claimed that he's "incensed" by McCain's use of the song.

According to the copyright-infringement lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, the popstar said that the Republican Presidential candidate's take on the song falsely creates a perception that he endorses the Arizona senator's campaign.

Now, Browne is seeking undisclosed damages as well as a permanent injunction barring further use of "Running on Empty" or any of his other songs.

"We are confident that Jackson Browne will prevail in this lawsuit. Not only have Senator McCain and his agents plainly infringed Mr. Browne's copyright in 'Running on Empty,' but the Federal Courts have long held that the unauthorized use of a famous singer's voice in a commercial constitutes a false endorsement and a violation of the singer's right of publicity," E!Online quoted the musician's attorney, Lawrence Iser, as saying in a statement.

He added: "In light of Jackson Browne's lifelong commitment to Democratic ideals and political candidates, the misappropriation of Jackson Browne's endorsement is entirely reprehensible, and I have no doubt that a jury will agree."

However, on McCain's front, it's being said that Browne should direct his anger towards the Ohio Republican Party, which produced the commercial in question.

"We have sued the Ohio Republican Party as well, and we have been informed and believe that McCain and his campaign were well aware of the ad. We are also informed and believe that the ad was broadcast on television in Ohio and Pennsylvania...The fact that it appears on the Internet means it also reaches an audience well beyond those states," said Iser.

ANI