Nickelback Shouldn’t Get Attorney’s Fees After Copyright Win

Nickelback, its record label, and the publishing company that distributes its work shouldn’t be able to recover attorney’s fees after successfully defending against a copyright infringement suit, but should be entitled to costs, a Texas magistrate judge said.

Chad Kroeger, Michael Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Daniel Adair, Roadrunner Records Inc., and Warner Chappell Music Inc. filed motions for about $592,000 in attorneys’ fees and approximately $9,600 in costs. Magistrate Judge Susan Hightower recommended Thursday that costs be awarded but not attorneys’ fees.

Kirk Johnston sued Nickelback, its label, and its publisher for copyright infringement in 2020. Johnston alleged that Nickelback’s 2005 ...