BreakingNews.ie: U2 does not have to answer questions from man who alleges he wrote song, court rules

Irish rock band U2 has been given a legal victory after a man claimed that he had written one of their hit songs. The band refused to answer questions from the claimant in court, and a judge has now ruled that they cannot be compelled to do so. The case highlights the complex nature of copyright law and the difficulties of proving ownership of creative works. It also raises questions about the responsibility of well-known artists to interact with their fans, and how they can protect themselves from frivolous legal disputes.


A Dublin musician is suing U2 Ltd, claiming that he wrote one of the songs on the band’s 2004 album and is seeking €12 million in damages. The musician, Maurice Kiely, alleges that U2 unlawfully included his song on their album, but U2 denies all of his claims. During a pre-trial hearing, Mr. Justice Brian O’Moore refused to order U2 Ltd to answer “inappropriate” questions posed by Kiely related to the alleged copyright infringement, including whether bassist Adam Clayton passed on a recording of the song to American model Cindy Crawford. Justice O’Moore stated that the interrogatories were “inappropriate” and U2 Ltd was not required to answer them.


The court’s decision to deny the request for U2 to answer questions from a man who claims to have written a song, raises interesting questions about the ownership of creative works. While the decision may be disappointing to the claimant, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. U2 has produced countless iconic songs that have permeated popular culture, and the band’s ability to maintain control over their creative output is vital to their continued success. As this case comes to a close, it’s worth considering the broader implications for artists, writers and other creatives who rely on the protection of their work for their livelihoods.