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Tuomo Ruutu (AP/Gerry Broome)
RALEIGH – Do hip-hop artists get a bad rap?
Raleigh’s Tyrone Banks may think so, after the artist was slapped with a federal lawsuit by the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, the very team for which he wrote and recorded a song in 2007.
Banks is accused of misusing trademarks by referring to his song as the “official Carolina Hurricanes song,” and by wearing a ‘Canes jersey in material promoting the song.
“Carolina Hurricanes. That's our team, say the name," repeats the song's chorus.
According to the Associated Press, Banks produced "Carolina Hurricanes" in 2007 and provided a copy of the song to the team, asking the Hurricanes play the music during games, according to court documents. The lawsuit, filed Friday Aug. 7, said the Hurricanes did use the song during games and short segments of it appeared in a television ad and online video.
Banks may have hit a hurdle when he demanded compensation for the song. Banks claims, according to the lawsuit, to have authorized use of the song ONLY during ‘Canes games – as long as his name, song name, and record label were displayed while the song was playing.
The Hurricanes are saying that Banks is promoting the song by suggesting an “affiliation” with the team. The ‘Canes deny any affiliation.
The team issued a cease-and-desist order to Banks in February 2009, and the artist removed the words “anthem” and “official” from his website. He didn’t go all the way, however. Banks is still seen wearing a ‘Canes jersey in promotional material for the song. The team believes the franchise has been damaged by Banks’ unauthorized use of their trademark. Ouch.
Neither the ‘Canes nor Banks are talking right now.
Comments
LOL see this is what america is all about. first they AGREE to use the guy's song at the games, which he said cool as long as you show my name and record company did the music. since the song becomes a HIT with the fans..what these capitalists do? they then use it in TV and radio ads. this guy RIGHTFULLY demanded compensation for the "extra" use of his song (which they should have offered the guy in the first place...cheap azzes!). now they try to "get back" at this guy by slapping a lawsuit on him?? damm the guy needs to make a living..not to mention a devoted enough FAN to make a song FREE for the team. he didnt want $$ to begin with, just to put his name out there. not only do you agree, but then u "steal" his song to put in commercial and t.v. promotions (where you dont give any recognition) and all he gets to show for that is some fukin comp tickets. and a lawsuit?! the fact that he wears a canes jersey is bullsh-- cover for that frivolous lawsuit. gotta love this country...SAD!!!
Carolina Hurricanes stop the madness. You should be grateful that somebody is appreciating your efforts and spreading the word. Hurricanes hockey is not all that. Raleigh, and NC for that matter still love our ACC baby. More people are hearing about Hurricanes hockey from this guy, "Hello", wake up. Don't tick off the fans. It was OUR Money that built the Carolina Hurricanes that expensive RBC Center anyway (Go State). Get out of that publicly(fan) built building. Everything in NC is political anyway, thats why this state doesn't have an entertainment identity. There are people in charge that are puppets on a string. I think I will sell my season tickets now. Thanks for showing your true face Hurricanes.
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