In a significant turn of events for the ongoing legal battle between the estate of iconic musician Isaac Hayes and former President Donald Trump, a federal judge has issued a ruling that trims some claims while maintaining the core allegations. This follows a previous judgment that allowed Hayes estate to pursue its copyright infringement lawsuit against Trump for the unauthorized use of the song Hold On, Im Coming during his campaign rallies.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash, who presided over the case, ruled on Friday that the claims asserting that Trump personally selected the song for use at his rallies would stand. Trumps defense had argued that the Hayes estate failed to demonstrate any direct infringing action against him. However, Judge Thrash countered this by noting that the allegations indicate Trump performed the song at least 133 times and actively recorded and published those performances across various media platforms.

In his written opinion, Judge Thrash underscored the gravity of the claims, stating, The plaintiffs allege that defendant Trump personally selected the work, performed it at least 133 times, and recorded and published those rallies on various media platforms. Defendant Trump fails to explain how the allegations that he personally selected the work to be played at his campaign events do not state that he infringed on this exclusive right. The court will not dismiss any claims against defendant Trump on this ground. This ruling represents a critical victory for Hayes' estate, as it reinforces their position and the legitimacy of their copyright claims.

While Judge Thrash upheld the primary copyright infringement allegations, he also delivered a partial win for Trump by dismissing other claims related to false endorsement and right of publicity. The court found that there were no allegations suggesting that Trump or his campaign used Hayes name or likeness while playing the song during rallies. This aspect of the ruling reflects the complexities of copyright law and the specific rights associated with a musicians work.

The legal confrontation began last year when Hayes estate initiated the lawsuit, asserting that Trumps campaign had utilized Hold On, Im Coming in various settings, including rallies and promotional videos, without permission from Hayes' heirs. Isaac Hayes III, the son of the late musician, expressed his familys outrage over the infringement on social media, stating, Donald Trump represents the worst in integrity and class with his disrespect and sexual abuse of Women and racist rhetoric. We will now deal with this very swiftly. The emotional resonance of this statement underscores the deep connection between artists and their work, especially when it comes to issues of respect and integrity in artistic representation.

Hayes, who passed away in 2008, was a pioneering figure in the world of soul music and co-wrote the classic track that was famously performed and released by the duo Sam & Dave. His contributions to music have left an indelible mark that continues to be celebrated and respected.

As part of the judge's ruling issued on Friday, one of the co-defendants in the case, Turning Point Action, Inc. a group known for its far-right, Christian nationalist stance was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds. Furthermore, the Hayes estate previously withdrew its claims against other political entities, including the Republican National Committee, National Rifle Association, and American Conservative Union, indicating a strategic narrowing of their legal focus.