PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Catholic Press and prominent liturgical composer Bernadette Farrell celebrated an important legal victory on March 20 in a copyright infringement jury trial against the plaintiff Vincent Ambrosetti. The win culminates a years-long legal battle with Ambrosetti, who accused Farrell of infringing on his song “Emmanuel” in her well-known song “Christ, Be Our Light.”

Ambrosetti first filed a lawsuit against OCP and Farrell alleging copyright infringement in 2019. The United States District Court granted summary judgment in favor of OCP, dismissing the claims. More recently, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision, ruling that certain factual issues should be decided by a jury rather than resolved at the summary judgment stage. OCP has always maintained that the lawsuit was frivolous and without merit. After four days of trial including testimony from music experts and careful comparison of the two songs, the jury reached a unanimous verdict in OCP’s favor within hours.

“We are gratified by the jury’s verdict and appreciate the careful attention they gave to the facts and the law. This outcome reinforces our commitment to protecting our intellectual property and our composers,” said OCP Publisher Wade Wisler.

OCP was represented by Kirkland & Ellis LLP in the trial. The case is important for anyone in the music industry accused of copying melodies and provides a helpful example of how to present those questions to a jury.

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About OCP
OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, has been in operation for over 100 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in Catholic churches and faith communities across the United States and worldwide. Learn more at ocp.org.

Contact:
Paul Gilberto
OCP
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