April 11, 2025
Simmons claimed she was granted 50 % of mental property rights, together with, however not restricted to, royalties.
A New York choose has dominated that DMX’s ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, can’t declare a 50% stake within the late rapper’s music catalog and different copyrights and likeness rights.
The couple divorced in 2013, years earlier than DMX died from a coronary heart assault. Following the hip-hop legend’s dying in 2021, Simmons filed a lawsuit in opposition to his property final yr, claiming co-ownership of his music and mental property rights. “The property is the only real proprietor of all mental property rights [that] Earl Simmons acquired throughout his marriage to the plaintiff, in addition to any and all different logos and mental property rights that belonged to Earl Simmons on the time of his dying,” stated Decide David F. Everett, in accordance with Billboard.
Decide Everett’s April 7 ruling settles the “mental property” dispute within the couple’s 2016 divorce settlement, which reportedly solely granted royalty funds for Simmons.
In Simmons’ lawsuit, she claimed that the property directors’ dispute over her possession stake was unwarranted. In response to an excerpt from the divorce settlement, Simmons was allegedly granted 50% of mental property rights “which shall embrace, however not be restricted to, royalties.” Nevertheless, Decide Everett stated the assertion “doesn’t unequivocally assign possession of decedent’s copyrighted works or trademark” and fails to say “possession or title to such property.”
Samuel J. Ferrara, a lawyer representing Simmons, stated the choose’s ruling “ignores long-standing authorized ideas and voids vital advantages to which Ms. Simmons and her youngsters had been and must be entitled.” His assertion made clear that Simmons and her 4 youngsters, who she shares with the late rapper, are past disillusioned with the courtroom’s determination. “Evidently the choose’s ruling doesn’t think about the events’ intent as evidenced by their conduct,” stated Ferrara. From the attitude of DMX’s property, an lawyer stated the ruling ensures the preservation of the rapper’s legacy.
In Monday’s ruling, Decide Everett didn’t disregard Simmons’ accusations that DMX had not paid $214,000 in youngster help as per the divorce settlement.
DMX’s music catalog consists of prime charters like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Occasion Up (Up In Right here),” and “What These B*tches Need.” Ashley Austin, CEO of Artist Legacy Group, a accomplice of DMX’s property, promised to work alongside DMX’s daughter, Sasha Simmons, and his ex-fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, to guard his rights.
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