Now here's what we call an expensive snafu: Sony Music recently ordered indie imprint Optimo Music to destroy album covers of its forthcoming Now That's What I Call DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post-Punk Era 1978-82) compilation on the grounds that its title infringes on the major label's Now That's What I Call Music! series.
Optimo head JD Switch confirmed that the company had received a cease-and-desist letter from Sony in regards to the collection, which features 7-inch tracks from long-gone post-punk acts including Tesco Bombers, the Distributors, the Fakes, Sara Goes Pop and more. The album cover displayed the Sony-biting tagline prominently, and thus had to be destroyed
"I couldn't reach agreement with Sony to modify the existing sleeves that was either satisfactory to them or cost effective to me, so the original sleeves will be destroyed," Switch told Resident Advisor.
He added that the gaffe has cost him "several thousand pounds," and delayed the release of the collection. While it had been due to drop in July, the collection is now set to land digitally and on double LP October 30 as the cheekily renamed [Cease & Desist] DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post-Punk Era 1978-82). Nobly, Switch notes he only has himself to blame for the legal troubles.
"While the whole thing has been a nightmare and extremely annoying, really, the only person I am angry with is myself for not even considering it might be an issue," he said, adding, "I totally appreciate that Sony are perfectly entitled to vigorously pursue copyright infringement."
Sony started their Now That's What I Call Music! series back in 1983, most recently delivering its 91st volume last month. The series has also spun-off Christmas releases, the Dance Now compilations and more.
[Cease & Desist] DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post-Punk Era 1978-82):
Optimo head JD Switch confirmed that the company had received a cease-and-desist letter from Sony in regards to the collection, which features 7-inch tracks from long-gone post-punk acts including Tesco Bombers, the Distributors, the Fakes, Sara Goes Pop and more. The album cover displayed the Sony-biting tagline prominently, and thus had to be destroyed
"I couldn't reach agreement with Sony to modify the existing sleeves that was either satisfactory to them or cost effective to me, so the original sleeves will be destroyed," Switch told Resident Advisor.
He added that the gaffe has cost him "several thousand pounds," and delayed the release of the collection. While it had been due to drop in July, the collection is now set to land digitally and on double LP October 30 as the cheekily renamed [Cease & Desist] DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post-Punk Era 1978-82). Nobly, Switch notes he only has himself to blame for the legal troubles.
"While the whole thing has been a nightmare and extremely annoying, really, the only person I am angry with is myself for not even considering it might be an issue," he said, adding, "I totally appreciate that Sony are perfectly entitled to vigorously pursue copyright infringement."
Sony started their Now That's What I Call Music! series back in 1983, most recently delivering its 91st volume last month. The series has also spun-off Christmas releases, the Dance Now compilations and more.
[Cease & Desist] DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post-Punk Era 1978-82):
1. Tesco Bombers "Break The Ice At Parties"
2. Sara Goes Pop "Sexy Terrorist"
3. People In Control "When It's War"
4. Nancy Sesay & The Melodaires "C'est Fab"
5. The Distributors "TV Me"
6. Dorothy "Softness"
7. Thomas Leer "Private Plane"
8. Visitors "Electric Heat"
9. The Murphy Federation "Fed Up Skank"
10. The Distributors "Never Never"
11. The Cro-tones "Tea Machine Dub"
12. Fatal Microbes "Violence Grows"
13. The Spunky Onions "How I Lost My Virginity"
14. The Fakes "Look Out"
15. The 012 "Meltdown Situation"
16. The Prats "Disco Pope"
