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Musician sues U2 claiming unlawful use of song
Summary
Maurice Kiely, a Dublin musician, has sued U2 Ltd for damages, alleging that the band unlawfully used a song he claims to have written, titled "A Man and A Woman." He says he composed the track in the 1990s, performed it for U2 bassist Adam Clayton, and agreed that the band could perform it under certain conditions. Kiely contends that U2 breached the contract and his copyright by performing the song live and crediting it to Bono and the Edge on their 2004 album *How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb*. The company, represented by Kelley Smith SC, denies all allegations. Kiely, representing himself, has requested the court to address his interrogatories, which the company has refused to answer, claiming irrelevance. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore adjourned the pre‑trial motion to 10 March, citing a full March docket but acknowledging the plaintiff's medical urgency for an earlier hearing. The case remains pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Musician sues U2 claiming unlawful use of song. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- March 10th Adjournment
- 2023-02-22 Publication
Why: Such questions are put to parties involved in court actions in order to clarify matters of fact and help to determine in advance what facts will be presented at the trial of the case. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The matter came before Mr Justice Brian O'Moore, who adjourned the plaintiff's motion to March 10th next.
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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