Judge tosses copyright infrigement case against country artist Phil Vassar, co-writer

May 3, 3:38 PMNashville Country Music ExaminerLisa L. Rollins

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Vassar, formerly on Arista, records for Universal South.

Federal District Court Judge Aleta Trauger has tossed out the copyright infringement case against country artist Phil Vassar and songwriter Craig Wiseman, which was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs through David Moser, a professor with Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.

The case centered on a top-20 country tune, “Good Ole Days,” that was penned by Vassar and Wiseman, and then released by Vassar on his 2005 Arista Records CD titled Shaken Not Stirred.

Originally, the case was filed in Federal District Court in Nashville in September 2007 by local songwriters Dave Brainard, Dustin Evans and Tim Matthews. Six of the claims were thrown out in prior proceedings by the judge, who--in her latest written opinion--ruled on the remaining copyright infringement and unfair competition claims. In the end, she tossed those claims out, too, earlier in the week and noted that there was no need for a trial.

Upon learning the case was settled, award-winning country performer Vassar said, “Craig (Wiseman) and I feel vindicated. I feel like these guys (the plaintiffs) attacked Craig’s and my credibility as writers and artists. We are obviously going to defend these types of suits vigorously."

Nashville tunesmith Wiseman, too, was quick to comment, saying, “Phil and I take the songwriting process very seriously and we would never infringe on another’s work. Everyone involved in this case saw that it was meritless from the beginning and now the judge agrees with us.”

In addition to co-writing "Good Ole Days," Vassar and Wiseman--both former ASCAP “Songwriters of the Year”--have teamed to pen two No. 1 singles, “Another Day in Paradise,” and “In a Real Love,” both of which were  released by Vassar on the Arista label. Aditionally, Wiseman has penned the former No. 1,  “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw, as well as the current hit-country song “Nothing to Die For,” also by country star McGraw.

Music video for "Good Ole Days" by Phil Vassar.