Gingrich Sued Over Survivor Song

Newt Gingrich may have thought Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” was the perfect song to pump up crowds at political events, but the presidential hopeful could soon be in the market for a new tune in light of a lawsuit filed by a founder of the band.

Frank Sullivan’s Rude Music filed suit in U.S. District Court in Illinois Jan. 30 alleging Gingrich, the Newt 2012 campaign and the American Conservative Union infringed the song’s copyright by using it for unauthorized public performances and internet video recordings.

“As his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination has ramped up, Mr. Gingrich and Newt 2012, Inc. have caused a recording of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ to be publicly performed at numerous campaign appearances,” the suit says.

Rude Music also notes the American Conservative Union has posted online videos featuring Gingrich’s appearances and the song at several conservative conferences.

The suit contends Gingrich’s infringement is willful, as the politician is “sophisticated and knowledgeable concerning copyright laws,” owns a multimedia production company and has authored or co-authored more than 40 copyrighted works.

Rude Music’s suit seeks damages, costs and attorneys’ fees, plus an injunction.