Sammataro Argues for Chris Cornell Estate as Owner of Recordings in Soundgarden Case
Pryor Cashman Partner James Sammataro, co-chair of the Music Group and Media + Entertainment Litigation Practice, argued on behalf of Vicky Cornell, the widow of Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell, in a case over unreleased recordings.
Law360 reported on the litigation in “Judge Worries Soundgarden Fight Could Mar Band’s Legacy,” and included James’ statement to U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik explaining why Cornell’s estate should be the owner of the recordings:
At the core of the case are digital music files that were stored on Chris Cornell’s laptop, which he had with him when he died. The band returned the laptop to Vicky Cornell, but the band argues that the files are the property of the band, either its partnership or its associated LLC.
James George Sammataro of Pryor Cashman LLP, representing Vicky Cornell, said the disputed files include vocal recordings that Chris Cornell made with his voice in his home studio. In court filings, Vicky Cornell argues that Chris Cornell was the exclusive owner and copyright holder.
“What [Soundgarden is] seeking are not incidental works, but yet works that were created by Chris Cornell prior to his passing that were in Chris Cornell’s possession,” Sammataro said.
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