Netflix is suing the pair behind Abigail Barlow and Emily Byers Unofficial Bridgerton Music On copyright infringement, as first reported time limit, The streaming giant filed a complaint in Washington, DC district court, just days after Barlow and Bear hosted a live, sold-out show dedicated to them. bridgerton-inspired album.
Later bridgertonIn early 2020, Barlow and Bear began making music based on the Netflix original series and promoting the effort on TikTok, where it quickly gained popularity. As fans requested more material, Barlow and Bear soon had enough to create a 15-song album that went on to win a Grammy in April, the first for music to originate on TikTok. . On July 26, Barlow and Baer held a concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, featuring live performances and music from the National Symphony Orchestra.
in your complaint received by time limitNetflix alleges that Barlow and Bear’s content “takes fan fiction far beyond its breaking point” and is a “gross violation of intellectual property rights.” In-spite of this Praising the work of Barlow and Bear himself, Netflix claims it repeatedly told the pair that bridgerton-inspired compositions “were” Not authorized,
Netflix alleges that Live informal bridgerton The performance was also not approved by the company, and Barlow and Byers “refused” to negotiate a license that would allow them to distribute their album and conduct live performances without problems.
“Barlow & Bear lacked any license, approval or authorization to exploit Bridgeton intellectual property in connection with the performance of the Kennedy Center,” Netflix states. “And the extent to which Barlow & Byers once claimed to believe that they had such licence, approval, or authorization – notwithstanding Netflix’s explicit statements to the contrary – has now been expressly revoked.”
Netflix claims Barlow and Byers apparently used it bridgerton brand during its shows, and “attracted Bridgeton fans who would otherwise participate in the Bridgeton Experience,” Netflix’s own bridgerton-themed event that is held in six different cities throughout the year. Barlow and Byers currently plan to perform with the BBC Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in the UK this September.
“Netflix supports fan-generated content, but Barlow & Byers has taken it several steps further, seeking to create multiple revenue streams for itself without formal permission to use Bridgerton IP. [intellectual property]Netflix said in a statement. “We have tried very hard to work with Barlow & Byers, and they have refused to cooperate. The creators, cast, writers and crew have put their heart and soul into Bridgerton, and we are committed to protecting their rights. taking action for it.”
Julia Quinn, author behind bridgerton The book series says she was “happy and delighted” when Barlow and Bear first started building TikTok based on the concept. “However, there is a difference between composing on TikTok and recording and performing for commercial gain,” Quinn says. “I hope that Barlow & Byers, who share my status as independent creative professionals, understand the need to protect the intellectual property of other professionals, including the characters and stories I created in the Bridgeton novels twenty years ago.”
Shonda Rhimes, Producer bridgerton The Netflix series issued a separate statement. “What started out as a fun celebration by Barlow & Bear on social media has morphed into taking over intellectual property solely for the financial benefit of Barlow & Bear,” says Rhimes. “Just as Barlow and Bear would not allow others to manipulate their IPs for profit, Netflix cannot stand and allow Barlow and Bear to do the same to Bridgeton.”
Barlow and Bear did not respond immediately ledgeComment request.