Michael Jackson copyrighted his unique 45-degree stance?
Michael Jackson – an icon of the world music industry has long passed away, but his songs and dances still exist over the years. Music like Smooth Criminal, Beat it, Thriller, etc. will be protected under US copyright law as well as international copyright conventions and treaties such as the Berne Convention. However, is this artist’s 45-degree vertical angle protected by copyright as for the songs above?
About Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, and died on June 25, 2009. MJ was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer.
Nicknamed the “King of Pop”, he is considered one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century. During a career spanning more than four decades, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, coupled with the upheaval of his personal life, have made him a global figure in popular culture.
Jackson influenced artists of many different genres. In addition to music, he also popularized many complex dances such as moonwalks and robots to the world, creating a whole new ideology for music and the performance of arts.
He is the most awarded musical artist in history.
Copyright registration for moonwalk and 45-degree stance
As for the copyright issue for the 45-degree stance, one of MJ’s trademarks in name is a different story than his songs.
Moonwalk is a backward jump created by Michael Jackson in 1983. Since then, this dance position has become the most famous dance in the world. His distinctive 45-degree tilt was featured in the hit 1987 song Smooth Criminal and has been performed by MJ several times in live performances.
Moonwalk and the 45-degree stand are not copyrighted.
Because Moonwalk is just a dance move, not a choreography. The 45-degree stance is even simpler. Although it is special, it is essentially just a way of leaning 45 degrees, there is no element of amazing choreography in a certain space or situation with the rhythmic coordination of one or many dancers.
Although the moonwalk is closely associated with and popularized by Michael Jackson, it is considered a social dance or a simple routine and through that, the USPTO cannot grant or approve copyright for that move.
As for the 45-degree angle, although anyone can perform and profit from it, Michael Jackson actually patented a shoe that allows that movement to be possible.
Anti-gravity shoes, or a method to create anti-gravity illusions, were patented by MJ on June 29, 1992. As of June 29, 2012, this patent expired, and through which anyone can apply this technology to their commercial performances.
In addition, during the 20-year period where the above invention is protected, artists performing a 45-degree vertical angle are also allowed if they do not apply MJ’s technology in their shoes.
***Other Articles***
– You could check Required documents of filing trademark in USA here.
– You could see What needs to be done after registering a trademark in US? here.
– You could visit here to see What is use in commerce of filing trademark in USA.
– You could also check here to see Procedure of Trademark in USA.
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