Copyright Infringement Action Re Pre-1972 Recordings Not Precluded by “Safe Harbor” Provision of Digital Millenium Copyright Act

In a full-fledged opinion by Justice Mazzarelli, the First Department determined that the “safe harbor” provisions in the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) did not protect defendant, an Internet-based music streaming service, from a copyright infringement action based upon the uploading of recordings made prior to February 15, 1972.  In making this determination, the 2nd Department applied statutory interpretation principles to the relevant provisions of the DMCA and the Copyright Act.  UMG Recs, Inc v Escape Media Group, Inc, 2013 NY Slip Op 02702, 1st Dept, 4-23-13