Mary Bono Seeks Dismissal of Cher's $1 Million Royalties Lawsuit
Mary Bono has filed a motion to dismiss Cher's $1 million lawsuit regarding copyright-termination notices for Sonny and Cher's musical royalties.
Mary Bono in dark blazer
The dispute centers on a 1978 divorce agreement where Sonny Bono granted Cher 50% of their musical composition royalties, record royalties, and other assets in perpetuity. However, in September 2021, the Bono Collection Trust issued a Section 304(c) termination notice affecting these copyright arrangements.
Key points of Mary Bono's dismissal motion:
- Claims the lawsuit is preempted by the federal Copyright Act
- Argues that termination rights belong to statutory beneficiaries regardless of prior agreements
- States Sonny couldn't legally sign away his heirs' future termination rights
- Contends the marriage settlement agreement cannot bind heirs on matters outside its scope
The legal argument hinges on Section 304 of the Copyright Act, which allows an author's surviving children and widow/widower to terminate grants of transfers or licenses "otherwise than by will."
Cher performing with microphone in black
Notable legal context: The termination process requires cooperation from all statutory beneficiaries, including Sonny's son Chaz, as Mary Bono cannot independently terminate the copyright agreements without additional approval.
Cher performing on stage
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