Isaac Hayes III, heir to legendary musician Isaac Hayes, is engaged in a copyright dispute with the Trump campaign over the use of "Hold On, I'm Coming" at political rallies. The song, co-written by Isaac Hayes and Dave Porter in 1966, is at the center of a legal battle regarding ownership and usage rights.

Key Facts About the Copyright Dispute:

• Isaac Hayes III reclaimed 50% of the song's copyright in March 2022 through termination rights under U.S. copyright law
• The rights were previously split between Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Warner Chappell Music Publishing
• In March 2023, Hayes Enterprises entered an agreement with Primary Wave Music IP Fund 3:
  • Hayes Enterprises retained 25% ownership
  • Primary Wave received 25% ownership
  • The agreement requires Hayes's approval for licensing

Trump Campaign Usage:

• The campaign had a valid BMI political use license from November 30, 2022, to June 5, 2024
• Unauthorized usage occurred 46 times:
  • 28 times before obtaining a valid license
  • 18 times after license termination

Current Status:

• An Atlanta judge has issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump campaign
• The campaign cannot use the song while litigation continues
• Previous usage videos can remain online
• Sam Moore, original performer, supports Trump and opposes the litigation
• Hayes Enterprises maintains the case is about copyright infringement, not politics

The dispute highlights the complexity of music rights and the importance of proper licensing for political campaigns. Hayes Enterprises continues to exercise control over licensing, with recent commercial licenses ranging from $150,000 to $450,000.

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