Isaac Hayes III and his attorney James Walker Jr. announced Friday they have secured an emergency hearing with former President Donald Trump’s team over alleged copyright infringement.
The hearing, scheduled for September 3, concerns Trump’s use of the late Isaac Hayes’ song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at political events.
“We sent a cease and desist years ago and then we asked for demand for payment for the multiple uses – over 130 uses,” Hayes told “The Breakfast Club” radio show. “They didn’t respond to our deadline, so we had to file a lawsuit in federal court.”
Walker emphasized the significance of the emergency hearing, citing potential damages of $150,000 per copyright infringement under U.S. law.
“Donald Trump has used this music, the Republican National Committee, and so many others in his constituency… probably 134 times,” Walker said. “We have yet to see a blanket license, a signed license, a copy of a check.”
Hayes stressed the importance of protecting his father’s legacy and copyright, especially given the family’s recent reacquisition of the rights after 56 years.
“My father had seven daughters. He would not want his music being used by a man with Trump’s character,” Hayes said.
The lawsuit also names the Republican National Committee and the National Rifle Association as defendants.
Hayes and Walker urged other artists and songwriters to protect their intellectual property, noting the unique position they’re in to challenge such usage.
The Trump campaign has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
