Pandora Should Escape Comedians’ Copyright Suit, Report Says

Pandora Media LLC’s implied license to use the work of comedians including Robin Williams, George Carlin, and Ron White should sink consolidated copyright claims against the streamer, a special master said.

The comedians intended to grant Pandora all necessary rights, and long knew of and encouraged use of their routines without complaining about a royalty shortfall, retired Judge Suzanne H. Segal said in a redacted report and recommendation docketed Wednesday. The comedians knowledge of the use and Pandora’s reliance on their lack of objection for nearly a decade also equitably estopped them from making the claims, Segal said.

Adoption of ...