Toby Keith Sued Over Song Lyrics

The Miami Herald reported that Toby Keith is being sued for copyright infringement by a singer-songwriter, Michael McCloud, from Key West, Fla. who says his tune, "Tourist Town Bar" is strikingly similar to Toby's 2003 hit, "I Love This Bar." The suit was filed in federal court in Miami against Toby and his co-writer Scotty Emerick, along with Toby's record label, distribution companies and publishing company, Tokeco Tunes. Toby is denying all allegations and intends to defend the claim.

The Miami Herald's request a Miami-based entertainment attorney, David Bercuson, who has 20 years experience in music copyright law and is not involved in the case, listened to both songs and compared the lyrics. His opinion: McCloud's lawsuit faces tough going. "The theme of the songs are comparable, the manner in which the theme is delivered are comparable, but every love song is sort of the same, too,'' Bercuson said. "You can't protect an idea."

Read the entire story.

technorati tags:Toby Keith, I Love This Bar, Michael McCloud, Lawsuit