Episode 15 of The Earworm Podcast dives into the fascinating and often chaotic history of music copyright, tracing its roots from the 1710 Statute of Anne to the landmark court cases that shaped the modern music industry. Patrick and Bryan break down the difference between copyrights, trademarks, and patents before exploring how composers first gained legal protection for their work through cases involving the Bach family and French composer Daniel Auber. Along the way, they explain how publishers, record labels, and songwriters actually work together behind the scenes to protect and monetize the music we hear every day.

The episode then turns up the volume with some of the most famous music lawsuits in history. From the Beach Boys unknowingly surrendering the publishing rights to "Surfin' U.S.A." and John Lennon's legal battle over Rock 'n' Roll, to George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord," Biz Markie's game-changing sampling case, John Fogerty's victory over "self-plagiarism," and Stairway to Heaven and Bitter Sweet Symphony, the hosts unpack the legal battles that changed songwriting forever. Equal parts music history, courtroom drama, and industry insight, this episode reveals why every note can be worth fighting over.

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