January 13, 1999 13:32

CHER OUT THE ROYALTIES

The writers of the ubiquitous 'Believe' tussle in the courts...

Cher's number one hit 'Believe' is at the centre of a legal row after a UK songwriter launched a bid claiming he wrote it.

Mark Scott is suing three music companies for damages for allegedly infringing his copyright over the song. He is also seeking an injunction to stop anymore copies of the record being being sold.

In a writ issued in London's High Court last month (December), Scott claims he and former business partner Brian Higgins co-wrote 'Believe' in 1991. However, in September 1997 he claims Higgins allowed Warner Chappell Music Ltd, Warner Music UK Ltd and Rive Droite Music Ltd to make and release an arrangement of the song by Cher without his permisission.

Scott, of East Grinstead, Sussex, claims Higgins, of Old Oxted, Surrey, had a legal obligation to ask his permission to use the song elsewhere. He's also seeking all payments due to him form use of and sales of the song. A date for a hearing at London's High Court has yet to be set.

Should they both do time for 'Believe' instead of getting royalties? Tell us what you think. Post a message on Angst!

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