Isaac Hayes Enterprises and the Trump campaign are locked in a legal battle over the usage rights of the song "Hold On, I'm Coming," co-written by Isaac Hayes and Dave Porter in 1966.

Key facts about the ownership dispute:

• Isaac Hayes III, through Isaac Hayes Enterprises, reclaimed 50% of the song's copyright in March 2022 under U.S. copyright law's 56-year termination provision
• The company later transferred half of their ownership (25%) to Primary Wave Music IP Fund 3, retaining 25% for themselves
• All licenses require approval from Isaac Hayes Enterprises and Liz Garner

The Trump campaign's usage of the song:

• Campaign claims they have lawful license through BMI
• Valid political use license period: November 30, 2022 to June 5, 2024
• Unauthorized uses documented: 46 total instances
  • 28 times before obtaining license
  • 18 times after license termination

Recent developments:

• Sam Moore, original performer, supports Trump and opposes the litigation
• An Atlanta judge has issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump campaign
• The campaign cannot use the song during litigation but doesn't need to remove previous usage

The case highlights the complexity of music licensing and copyright ownership in political campaigns, with clear documentation showing Isaac Hayes Enterprises' legitimate claim to the copyright through proper legal channels.

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