Ex-Ramones Drummer Sues Wal-Mart, Apple Over Music Downloads
NEW YORK -- The former drummer of the punk rock band The Ramones is suing Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Real Networks, and Apple, Inc., alleging copyright infringement over digital downloads of the band's songs.
Richard Reinhardt, who performed under the name Richie Ramone, filed his lawsuit in federal court on Friday in Manhattan. The suit also names Ramones Productions, Inc. and the estate of the band’s late lead singer John Cummings, who performed as Johnny Ramone.
In the lawsuit, Reinhardt claimed he has never licensed or authorized the use of the compositions in any digital formats. The lawsuit also said Reinhardt has suffered at least $900,000 in damages as a result of the alleged infringement.
Richard Reinhardt, who performed under the name Richie Ramone, filed his lawsuit in federal court on Friday in Manhattan. The suit also names Ramones Productions, Inc. and the estate of the band’s late lead singer John Cummings, who performed as Johnny Ramone.
In the lawsuit, Reinhardt claimed he has never licensed or authorized the use of the compositions in any digital formats. The lawsuit also said Reinhardt has suffered at least $900,000 in damages as a result of the alleged infringement.