In a recent development, former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli has been ordered by federal Judge Pamela Chen to turn over his copies of The Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin album. This decision comes as a result of a preliminary injunction issued in an ongoing lawsuit filed by PleasrDAO, an NFT collective that is the current owner of Shaolin. The lawsuit alleges that Shkreli “improperly retained copies of data and files” from the album and intends to release them, despite a court order to forfeit it to the US government.
According to the court’s minutes published on sites like CourtListener, the preliminary injunction includes several key provisions. Firstly, it enjoins Shkreli from possessing, using, disseminating, or selling any interests in the Album, including its data and files. He is also ordered to provide an inventory and accounting of the copies of the Album that he has retained, as well as information on individuals to whom he has distributed the data and files. Additionally, Shkreli is required to turn over all recordings of the Album’s contents that he possesses or controls to his counsel.
In addition to the injunction, the court has set specific deadlines for Shkreli to comply with the orders. By August 30, 2024, he must file an affidavit attesting that he has turned over all copies of the Album or its contents to his defense counsel and no longer possesses any copies. He must also provide a letter confirming that his counsel has possession of the copies. By September 30, 2024, Shkreli is required to file an accounting identifying all known copies of the Album or its contents, whether they were distributed, and any financial benefits he derived from their distribution or use.
This latest court order is not the first time Judge Pamela Chen has ruled against Martin Shkreli in relation to the Once Upon a Time in Shaolin album. In June, she issued a restraining order requiring him to cease distributing the album and to appear in court to justify why he should not be compelled to surrender all of his copies. These successive legal setbacks highlight the seriousness of the allegations against Shkreli and the importance of complying with court orders.
The legal battle surrounding The Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin album raises important questions about ownership rights, intellectual property, and artist control in the music industry. The case serves as a cautionary tale for individuals who may seek to profit from unauthorized distribution or use of copyrighted material. It also underscores the need for artists and creators to protect their work through legal means and to hold accountable those who violate their rights.
The ongoing legal dispute between Martin Shkreli and PleasrDAO over The Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin album underscores the complexities of intellectual property law and the challenges of protecting artistic works in the digital age. As the case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the court’s rulings impact the future of music ownership and distribution.