In a legal showdown that began in 2013, the original composers of the University of Michigan’s fight song, Let’s Go Blue, are suing the music‑sheet companies Theodore Presser and Carl Fischer to reclaim copyright and recover damages from a low‑fee licence to Electronic Arts. the dispute centers on whether the composers successfully exercised their termination right under the Copyright Act, a question that could set a precedent for other songwriters and publishers.

Termination Rights: A 2013 Filing That May Be the Pivot

According to the lawsuit, Michael Ahronheim and Jacob Carl filed a termination notice with the U.S. Copyright Office in 2013, claiming the song’s ownership should revert to them. They argue that Presser and Fischer accepted this reversion, rendering any licences granted after that date unauthorized. The publishers counter that the composers missed strict filing deadlines, making the termination claim invalid.. This legal technicality could determine whether the fight song remains under the control of the original creators or the long‑standing publishers.

Electronic Arts Licence : One Thousand Dollars for a Multi‑Million‑Dollar Asset

The core of the monetary dispute is the alleged licence of Let’s Go Blue to Electronic Arts for a sports title released in early 2024. The composers allege the licence was for a meagre sum of roughly one thousand dollars, a figure they say is shockingly low for a song that generates millions of dollars in revenue each year through broadcasts,merchandise and game sales. Presser and Fischer maintain the fee reflected a standard sync fee for the specific usage and that the licence was lawful.

Potential Ripple Effects Across the Music Licensing Industry

Legal scholars note that a ruling in favour of the composers could trigger a wave of similar termination actions by songwriters whose works have become entwined with large commercial enterprises. Conversely, a decision favouring the publishers would reinforce the importance of strict compliance with filing procedures , signalling that any lapse in paperwork can leave valuable intellectual property in the hands of long‑standing entities. Either outcome will likely prompt companies to re‑examine their contracts and implement more rigorous audit processes when dealing with legacy compositions.

Who Will Win? The Stakes for Fans and the Future of College‑Song Rights

Both sides are seeking declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, and monetary damages for alleged breach of contract and unjust enrichment. The final judgment will not only determine who receives future royalties from Let’s Go Blue but also clarify the procedural safeguards that authors must observe when invoking termination rights. For Wolverines fans, the fight song will likely continue to echo across the stadium regardless of the legal outcome, but the battle over its ownership highlights the complex intersection of collegiate tradition, commercial exploitation and the evolving landscape of American copyright law.