Judge Dismisses Trump’s Copyright Lawsuit Against Woodward

The case highlights the uncommon legal move by a former president, with implications for journalistic copyright precedents.

Case Dismissal Details

Judge Paul Gardephe ruled against Donald Trump, who sought $49.98 million in damages from Bob Woodward. Woodward, a veteran journalist, incorporated interviews with Trump in his 2022 audiobook. The court found Trump’s copyright claims implausible. Trump argued that he held copyright interest in interview recordings, contending they formed part of his persona rights. Woodward and Simon & Schuster countered, claiming Woodward was the “sole author” of the interviews.

Broader Implications

The lawsuit did not affect any crypto or digital assets. The audio recordings focused solely on publishing industry rights and copyright. Simon & Schuster’s response to the court decision emphasized satisfaction with the ruling favoring their publication rights.

Analysts see the ruling as a guidepost for future journalistic works involving public figures. U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe, presiding over the case, dismissed Trump’s claims, stating it was unlikely he could plead a plausible copyright interest in the tapes. Though financial outcomes are limited to traditional publishing, the verdict may influence contract negotiations in media. Cases involving high-profile figures may reference this outcome for future copyright and intellectual property disputes.

Bob Woodward, Veteran Journalist and Author, stated he was the “sole architect and true author” of the interviews that formed a significant part of his book “Rage” and were used in the audiobook. source