Lennon Family Attempts To Expel Filmmakers
John Lennon's sons and widow, Yoko Ono, are suing the filmmakers of "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" for using the song "Imagine" in the documentary without permission. The filmmakers claim fair use as part of the use. Although I haven't seen the film, this seems like a strategy on behalf of the filmmakers who had to have known that (a) fair use is always a risky proposition for use of music in film; and (b) using a song publicly known for its association with liberal political causes in a documentary film about a conservative political cause would just waive a red flag in front of the Lennon heirs. Of course, Expelled's legal defense costs may be the same line item as its marketing budget...
