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Paul Simon sues clock seller
21/07/2008 21:30 - (SA)
New York - Paul Simon wants a musical clock distributor to ease his mind by paying him for using his song Bridge Over Troubled Water.
The singer-songwriter sued Rhythm USA in federal court in Manhattan on Friday, claiming the company never got his permission to sell wall clocks that play the famous tune.
The Georgia-based subsidiary of a Japanese manufacturer "knew or should have known that they were violating (Simon's) rights and have realised millions of dollars from their infringing actions," according to the suit, which seeks $10m in damages.
There was no immediate response to messages left with Atlanta-based Rhythm USA. A company website says its parent company, Rhythm Watch Co Ltd, was established in 1950 and has sold about 20 million clocks worldwide.
The suit alleges that since 2003, the company has distributed more than 40 000 wall clocks that play renditions of Bridge Over Troubled Water.
It claims the composition, as "one of the best known songs throughout the world in popular music", could command at least a $1m licensing fee.
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South Africa
