The American band the Turtles can’t get royalties under Florida law from Sirius XM Radio Inc. for broadcasting “Happy Together” and their other 1960s-era hits, a federal appeals court ruled.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, applying an October ruling by the Florida Supreme Court, concluded Jan. 5 that state law doesn’t create a royalty right for performers on pre-1972 records.
Losses in court battles in Florida, New York, and Illinois may mean it will take action from Congress for oldies rightsholders like the Turtles to get royalties from digital music services. Two House bills introduced last ...