Latest news with #Marasco
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Suing Taylor Swift Asks Her Attorneys to Help Her in the Case
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kimberly Marasco, the Florida artist suing Taylor Swift for copyright infringement, asked Swift's legal team if they would accept service of the lawsuit on Swift's behalf. Marasco made the request in a motion filed Friday after facing persistent difficulties in locating Swift and being notified that the Florida secretary of state's office was backed up with service requests. Newsweek reached out to Marasco and a representative for Swift for comment. Why It Matters Marasco's inability to serve Swift could result in the lawsuit being dismissed or having Swift dropped from it. In a previous lawsuit, Judge Aileen Cannon agreed to drop Swift as a defendant because Marasco was unable to properly serve her. If Swift is dropped from the suit, Cannon may allow the lawsuit to proceed with the other defendants, which is what she decided in a previous suit. Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24. Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24. Press Association via AP Images What To Know Marasco reported months of unsuccessful attempts using process servers and sheriffs in multiple states to locate and serve Swift with legal documents. Efforts included visits to properties associated with Swift in California, Tennessee, New York and Rhode Island. Security personnel at a California residence denied access to process servers, while a Tennessee sheriff confirmed property ownership but stated Swift did not reside there. In Rhode Island, authorities told a process server they would face arrest for trespassing if they attempted service again. When conventional means failed, Marasco attempted to serve Swift via the Florida secretary of state. This form of substituted service is permitted for defendants who conduct business in the state of Florida, provided that the procedural requirements are met. However, Marasco indicated to the court that the secretary of state's office was experiencing a substantial backlog, further delaying her efforts. Marasco said in an email submitted into court records that she had sent a request for waiver of service via email and certified mail to one of Swift's attorneys, James Douglas Baldridge, on March 28. Marasco asked Swift's attorneys to confirm whether he received the communications in the May 27 email. Katherine Wright Morrone, an attorney for Swift, responded by saying they were not authorized to accept the subpoena on the singer's behalf and informed Marasco that they would oppose her motion. Marasco's suit alleges Swift, collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, Universal Music Group, and Republic Records infringed on her poetry in lyrics and visuals from multiple albums, including Lover, Folklore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Department. Marasco is seeking $25 million in damages. Swift's attorneys have repeatedly denied the allegations in the current and previous lawsuit, arguing for dismissal and noting that Marasco's claims are unsupported and, in many instances, time-barred under federal copyright law. What People Are Saying Kimberly Marasco, in a motion filed Friday: "Plaintiff diligently attempted to serve Defendant Taylor Swift, a high-profile individual with extensive security measure, but personal service has proven impracticable." James Douglas Baldridge and Katie Wright Morrone, in a memorandum filed May 20: "In what is now Plaintiff's second frivolous lawsuit against Artist, Plaintiff has again failed to perfect service. Instead, Plaintiff asks the court for a range of relief without meeting any of the required burdens to show it is warranted." What Happens Next Cannon has yet to rule on Marasco's latest motion. Cannon set June 15 as the deadline for Marasco to serve Swift. The court has ordered all defendants not to respond until everyone has been properly served. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Suing Taylor Swift Gets a New Deadline in Case
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon partially granted Florida artist Kimberly Marasco's motion for an extension to serve musician Taylor Swift with legal documents in a copyright lawsuit after Marasco said she was having trouble finding Swift. Marasco asked the court to extend the time to serve, authorize alternative methods of service and reimburse costs associated with service attempts. Cannon granted Marasco's request for an extension to serve Swift until June 15. The motion was denied without prejudice on all other grounds. Why It Matters Copyright lawsuits against major recording artists have become increasingly frequent, reflecting the heightened scrutiny over creative ownership and intellectual property in the music industry. Marasco's lawsuit alleges Swift and her collaborators used Marasco's poetry without permission. Taylor Swift arrives at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Taylor Swift arrives at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Marasco, who is representing herself in the case, has documented her various attempts to serve Swift in legal filings. If Marasco is unable to serve Swift with the lawsuit, she runs the risk of Swift being dropped from the case or the entire suit being dismissed. Newsweek reached out to Marasco and a representative for Swift for comment. What To Know Cannon noted that Marasco appeared to have shown due diligence in her various service attempts, as described in the motion, but emphasized that Marasco must comply with all procedural and jurisdictional requirements of Florida statutes should she pursue substituted service in the future. Marasco has detailed unsuccessful attempts to serve Swift, including reaching out to sheriff's offices and process servers in California, Tennessee, New York and Rhode Island. In California, security at a residence associated with Swift turned away process servers multiple times, claiming the singer was not home. In Tennessee, a service effort yielded an affidavit of non-service, with the Davidson County sheriff stating Swift owns property at the address in question but does not reside there. The Rhode Island Sheriff's Office warned Marasco's process server would be arrested for trespassing if further served attempts were made at the location. In a memorandum opposing Marasco's motion, attorneys for the defendants James Douglas Baldridge and Katherine Wright Morrone said Marasco had failed to follow "obvious leads" on Swift's whereabouts. "For example, despite public reporting that Artist was in New York City in March 2025, Plaintiff attempted service on the other side of the country in California," the attorneys wrote. "Similarly, Plaintiff attempted service at a Rhode Island property in April 2025, despite being aware that the house was undergoing 'major' renovations (and had been for months)." The case, filed by Marasco in February, alleges that Taylor Swift, Universal Music Group, Republic Records, Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner used creative material from Marasco's published poetry collections without authorization. The complaint cites songs and music videos from Swift's albums Lover, Folklore, Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department as allegedly infringing works. Marasco is seeking $25 million in damages in this lawsuit. She is also involved in a related, earlier suit regarding similar claims. Marasco's previous attempts to serve Swift in the original lawsuit failed, leading to Swift being dismissed by Cannon in December 2024. The claims against the singer's production company remain unresolved. Baldridge and Wright Morrone referenced Marasco's first attempt to sue Swift in their memorandum. "In what is now Plaintiff's second frivolous lawsuit against Artist, Plaintiff has again failed to perfect service. Instead, Plaintiff asks the court for a range of relief without meeting any of the required burdens to show it is warranted," Baldridge and Wright Morrone said. In the latest suit, Cannon has instructed all defendants to not respond until everyone has been served. Amid rising costs, Marasco also sought permission to file court documents electronically, arguing that mailing and travel fees had become "burdensome." Cannon denied this request, finding Marasco ineligible for electronic filing under current court rules. What People Are Saying Marasco previously told Newsweek: "Printing documents using my HP Inkjet printer incurs approximately $120 for ink and paper, and the frequent need to purchase supplies adds to the financial burden. Additionally, traveling to the courthouse for in-person submissions is time-intensive, and mailing documents introduces further delays." Baldridge and Wright Morrone, in a memorandum: "While Plaintiff has made service attempts at various residences across the country, critically, she appears to have ignored public reporting as to where Artist was located and therefore failed to follow several 'obvious leads.'" What Happens Next Cannon has required Marasco to serve Taylor Swift by June 15 to keep the suit active. The proceedings remain paused until all defendants are properly served. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Suing Taylor Swift Is Spending 'Significant' Money on Case
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Florida artist suing Taylor Swift for copyright infringement has asked the court to allow her to change how she files documents, citing the rising costs of pursuing the case. In a recent court filing, Kimberly Marasco requested permission to file documents electronically, saying that "significant" mailing and travel expenses have become "burdensome." Taylor Swift arrives at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Taylor Swift arrives at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Newsweek reached out to a representative for Swift for comment. Why It Matters Copyright lawsuits targeting major recording artists have become increasingly common, reflecting the heightened scrutiny over creative ownership in the music industry. Marasco's lawsuit alleges that Swift and her collaborators used her poetry without authorization in several songs. The case, filed in the Southern District of Florida, has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, who rose to national prominence when she was the judge assigned to President Donald Trump's classified documents case. What To Know Along with it being a financial burden to continue mailing documents or delivering them in person, Marasco said filing electronically would be more efficient. It would allow her to submit documents promptly and ensure she complies with deadlines. Getting electronic access would also give her the ability to be notified when court orders and filings are made, making it easier for her to respond, Marasco wrote in her motion. Cannon denied the request, noting that Marasco does not meet the criteria for electronic filing under court rules. Marasco originally filed a lawsuit in April 2024, accusing Swift and her production company, Taylor Swift Productions Inc., of infringing upon her copyrighted works. The complaint alleges that several of Swift's songs and music videos contain elements copied from Marasco's poetry collections, Fallen from Grace and Dealing with Chronic Illness: Vestibular Neuritis. Initially filed in small claims court, the case was moved to the federal court system, where Cannon presides. Marasco has faced procedural challenges, including difficulties in serving Swift with the lawsuit. In December 2024, Cannon dismissed Swift from the case without prejudice because of Marasco's failure to serve her properly. However, the claims against Taylor Swift Productions remain active. Marasco filed a new lawsuit in February seeking $25 million, which, was also assigned to Cannon. The defendants in this case include Swift and collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, as well as Universal Music Group and Republic Records. Swift has firmly denied all the accusations of copyright infringement and has tried to get the cases dismissed multiple times. What People Are Saying Marasco told Newsweek: "Printing documents using my HP Inkjet printer incurs approximately $120 for ink and paper, and the frequent need to purchase supplies adds to the financial burden. Additionally, traveling to the courthouse for in-person submissions is time-intensive, and mailing documents introduces further delays." Attorneys Aaron S. Blynn and Katherine Wright Morrone, in a motion to dismiss Marasco's original lawsuit: "In sum, Plaintiff's claims remain entirely unfounded, and her 'final opportunity' to state a claim fails. At this juncture, dismissal with prejudice is required." What Happens Next The court has set a deadline for Marasco to properly serve all defendants. Cannon has ordered that no defendant shall file a response until all parties have been served, aiming to manage the orderly progress of the case. As the lawsuit against Taylor Swift Productions progresses, the court will consider motions to dismiss filed by the defense, who argue that Marasco's claims lack merit and are time-barred. The outcome of the motions will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or is dismissed. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Newsweek
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Suing Taylor Swift Is Using Police To Try To Find Her
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Florida woman suing Taylor Swift is turning to the police to help serve the singer with legal documents. The case, which alleges Swift plagiarized creative elements from the woman's poetry, is now stalled as the plaintiff claims the singer's location is "unpredictable." Why It Matters The legal impasse highlights challenges in serving lawsuits against public figures who maintain tightly controlled private lives. Kimberly Marasco, an artist based in Florida, has tried multiple times to deliver the summons but has been unable to locate Swift. Judge Aileen Cannon has warned her that failure to properly serve Swift could lead to dismissal. A prior lawsuit by Marasco had Swift dismissed from the case for the same reason, though claims against Swift's production company remain unresolved. What To Know Marasco has accused Swift and several co-defendants of copying her original work in songs across several albums, including Lover, Folklore, Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department. The ongoing federal copyright case seeks $25 million in damages. Marasco asked Cannon, who is presiding over the case in the Southern District of Florida federal court, to extend the deadline to serve defendants and allow alternative forms of service. In the motion added to the docket on Wednesday, Marasco details her attempts to serve Swift, which involved contacting sheriff's offices in California, Tennessee, New York and Rhode Island. In one attempt, a process server visited a California property linked to Swift but was unable to verify her presence. A sheriff in California attempted service again at the property on March 26, March 27 and April 2. "A sheriff made three attempts, but guards denied access past the gate, now stating that Swift was 'not home,'" Marasco said in the motion. Taylor Swift arrives to Arrowhead Stadium before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. Taylor Swift arrives to Arrowhead Stadium before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. AP Photo/Ashley Landis In Tennessee, a Davidson County sheriff made one attempt before returning an affidavit of non-service, stating that Swift "owns property at the address but does not reside there." Marasco contacted the New York's Sheriff Office on April 7. On April 29, she learned that the documents were processed and service attempts will start, which could take the office three to four weeks to complete. The Rhode Island Sheriff's Office received the legal documents after a security guard told a process server to turn them over to the nearest police station. The sheriff's office told Marasco that the process server would be arrested for trespassing if she returned to the property. Marasco is also asking the court to reimburse $631.30 spent on sheriffs and process servers. Marasco filed her original lawsuit in April 2024, claiming Swift's lyrics and visuals included "creative elements" lifted from her published poetry without credit or consent. Marasco said she had "exhausted all other means" of serving Swift through conventional channels and turned to Florida's secretary of state as a last resort before the pop singer was dismissed from the case. Cannon has ordered that none of the co-defendants, including Swift's collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, along with Universal Music Group and Republic Records, respond to the suit until all parties are served. What People Are Saying Marasco, in a motion: "Without alternative service, Plaintiff faces undue delay, as the Court's prior order ties all defendants' responses to Swift's service, risking denial of redress for alleged copyright infringement." Swift's lawyers, Aaron S. Blynn and Katherine Wright Morrone, in a response filed in Marasco's original lawsuit: "Nothing has changed since this Court last denied Plaintiff's requests. The Court should dismiss Plaintiff's claims against Artist for failure to perfect service of process." What Happens Next Cannon, who last July dismissed the classified documents case against President Donald Trump in Florida, has said the case will not move forward until all parties are properly served. Cannon has yet to rule on Marasco's motion to allow alternative service and extend the service deadline from May 29 to June 15. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Getting There: New Hampshire's new driver's licenses aren't just pretty, they're practical
John Marasco had his work cut out for him. New Hampshire driver's licenses were already really cool with the Old Man of the Mountain featured prominently. But the Division of Motor Vehicles director really outdid himself with the new design this year. Getting There By incorporating the Old Man into the golden Real ID star logo, bringing the state flower to the forefront, changing the standard light blue headings to a green worthy of our tree-covered, mountainous terrain, and adding 'Live Free or Die' in microscopic text, Marasco created possibly the prettiest and most practical license in the country. Take that, boring Massachusetts. 'We worked on that project for about a year and a half, and I can tell you that it's one of the most strategic, time-focused projects that that I've ever been a part of,' Marasco said last week at the Concord DMV. 'I mean, we would with the vendor at times, we would have three, four meetings a day, and that would go on. We had a repertoire of those meetings all throughout the last year leading up to implementation. "Why? What does it entail? The final product of the card itself is really a technological wonder. The security features that are in there and everything that was done to make sure that the card ties into the fabric of New Hampshire history and values.' The new high-tech ID cards were approved by the Department of Homeland Security, have anti-fraud measures, and if you look closely enough, you'll even see some hidden 'Easter eggs.' 'If you take a magnifying glass ... what you're going to see is on the front and back, micro text: 'Live Free or Die.' And you're also going to see all of your counties, landmarks throughout the state. It's an incredible credential. I think it's the most appealing-looking license in the country.' Agreed. If you love the state's flower — purple lilac — well, you can actually see that now, too. 'If you look at the front of the old license, there's actually a purple lilac, but you'd never know it. It looks like a gyroscope. We wanted to do something this time around that was more pronounced,' Marasco said. The state had to make it so the license could be produced roughly 360,000 times a year in 14 different DMV offices and 60 counters. That meant new equipment, training and a nightmare for quality control so the lines at the DMV don't get any longer. 'Every one of those counters has a desktop on one side and a screen on the other. It's got the camera, which is state-of-the-art. It's got the signature pad. It's got two different ways to verify documents — Social Security cards, passports, document verification. The printer. Sixty counters around the state had to have all the old equipment come out, all the new equipment go up.' Finally, for any hockey fans out there, it's also neat that every New Hampshire license number starts with 'NHL.' Talk about icing on the cake, eh? Real ID deadline On May 7, anyone who wants to fly within the U.S. must have a Real ID or face possible delays getting through security. New Hampshire has one of the highest percentages of compliance in the country with more than 65% already all set, the DMV director said. If you were wondering, at the end of March there were still more than 66,000 drivers or state-issued ID holders who have said, 'Nah' to the Real ID. Marasco said the state will continue to offer the slightly cheaper non-compliant option, but he anticipates the Real ID percentage to rise over 70% by the deadline. Exit 4A update If the weather is nice enough, the Department of Transportation will begin work on Folsom Road in Derry at 7 a.m. Sunday between Ferland Drive and the Franklin Street intersection to put in a temporary pipe for Shields Brook to flow through the construction area. Work is expected to be done on Monday, but drivers will have to maneuver around a detour. The work is part of the $31 million interchange project to create Exit 4A on Interstate 93 and construct a wide access road, up to seven lanes at one point, to get drivers in and out of the heart of Derry. For traffic updates, visit
