Elvis Takes On Germany

Elvis Presley Enterprises, which is owned by CKX, has joined with Calunius Litigation Risk fund to pursue legal action against Arista Music, formerly RCA Records, in Germany.

The suit addresses a 1973 buyout agreement, arranged between RCA and Presley’s manager, “Colonel” Tom Parker.

Elvis’ back catalog of more than 1,000 recordings was purchased by RCA for $5.4 million, according to a statement. The suit alleges Presley received an annual payment of about $10 to $15 per song on the German rights.

The suit was filed in December and demands proper payment for the Presley recordings, including digital, ringtone and entertainment apps.

It is only applicable to sound recordings in Germany, according to the statement.

Elvis Presley Enterprises claims the money Presley received from the buyout agreement was “conspicuously disproportionate” to the revenue received by RCA.

It asks for remedy under German copyright law for “equitable remuneration.”

Arista had not responded to the announcement at press time.