Back in August we wrote about This Charming Charlie, a delightful Tumblr from Lauren LoPrete that combined classic Peanuts comic strips and Smiths lyrics. The results perfectly reflected the humour and melancholy that have defined both Charles M. Schulz’ long-running comic series and The Smiths' memorable wordplay.
Last month, however, LoPrete's blog was subject to a takedown notice for copyright infringement, served by Universal Music who allegedly retain copyright on The Smiths' back catalogue. Tumblr responded by removing three images from the blog, while LoPrete announced she would be shuttering the account entirely as a result of the legal issues.
Luckily, the story looks like it will have a happy ending. The definitive saviour is The Smiths' frontman himself, Morrissey. A statement released via fansite True to You explains "Morrissey is represented by Warner-Chappell Publishing, and not Universal Music Publishing, (who have allegedly demanded that the lyrics be removed). Morrissey is delighted and flattered by the Peanuts comic strip with its use of Morrissey-Smiths lyrics, and he hopes that the strips remain."
Although it was reported last month that Universal had opted to drop the legal action, Morrissey's statement has encouraged LoPrete to keep the blog open, and the three 'offending' images have been reinstated. LoPrete writes "I’m glad he is able to see the humor in all of this, even if lawyers could not. Hopefully, this example will set a precedent for copyright laws in the future, and encourage others to express themselves and enrich our culture through free speech, parody and social critique."
The whole incident has sparked a fresh debate over the need for copyright reform in the US to clarify 'fair use' in an online world where artists' creations are often innocently reappropriated for videos, images and other non-commercial purposes. For now, This Charming Charlie is enjoying some love, peace and harmony: very nice, very nice.
(Images courtesy of Lauren LoPrete via This Charming Charlie)
