In a significant legal move, legendary musician George Clinton has initiated a $100 million copyright lawsuit against Armen Boladian and his Bridgeport Music company. Filed in Florida District Court, the suit accuses Boladian of fraudulent acquisition of approximately 90 percent of Clinton's music catalog. The artist held a press conference at the Apollo Theatre, accompanied by attorney Ben Crump, to address this issue publicly. Clinton emphasized the importance of reclaiming ownership to ensure generational wealth for his family. The dispute revolves around allegations that Boladian unlawfully profited from Clinton's work and withheld substantial royalties over the years.

The origins of this conflict date back several decades. From 1982 to 1985, Clinton alleges that Boladian fabricated multiple versions of agreements, adding fictitious names and pseudonyms to copyright registrations. This action diluted Clinton's share in royalties and effectively transferred control of a vast portion of his catalog. The legal battle extends beyond just financial compensation; it is about preserving artistic legacy. Clinton expressed deep concern over the potential loss of his musical heritage, stating that these songs represent his history and should be passed down to future generations as intellectual property.

Throughout the years, Boladian has been notably aggressive in protecting what he claims as his rights. In 2001, he filed numerous lawsuits against musicians who sampled Clinton's work, securing millions in settlements. However, Clinton was not involved in these legal actions and did not receive any benefits. This exclusion further fueled Clinton's resolve to challenge Boladian's control over his music. The current lawsuit aims to rectify past injustices and restore rightful ownership to the artist.

Clinton's determination to fight for his rights is part of a broader movement advocating for artists' control over their intellectual property. He urged fellow musicians to investigate and challenge any practices that separate creators from their work. By speaking out, Clinton hopes to inspire others to protect their legacies and ensure that future generations can benefit from their contributions. This case underscores the ongoing struggle between artists and those who seek to capitalize on their creations.