Isaac Hayes' Estate: Trump Has No License for "Hold On, I’m Coming"

Trademark Lawsuit Filed

The estate of Isaac Hayes has filed a trademark lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, alleging that he used the late soul singer's hit song "Hold On, I'm Coming" without permission at a recent political rally.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Manhattan, claims that Trump's use of the song at a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 20, 2020, violated the estate's trademark rights.

Trump's Unauthorized Use

The estate alleges that Trump did not have a license to use the song, which was written by Hayes and David Porter in 1968 and became a hit for Hayes in 1969.

The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to prevent Trump from using the song in the future.

Hayes' Legacy

Hayes, who died in 2008, was a legendary soul singer, songwriter, and producer.

He was known for his powerful vocals and his socially conscious lyrics.

"Hold On, I'm Coming" is one of Hayes' most famous songs, and it has been used in numerous films and television shows.

Trademark Law

Under trademark law, a trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies a product or service and distinguishes it from the products or services of others.

A trademark owner has the exclusive right to use the trademark in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered.

Damages and Injunction

The estate is seeking damages for Trump's unauthorized use of the song.

The estate is also seeking an injunction to prevent Trump from using the song in the future.

Conclusion

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges to Trump's use of music without permission.

It remains to be seen whether the estate will be successful in its lawsuit, but the case highlights the importance of obtaining permission before using copyrighted material.