Talk Radio Network host Michael Savage recently pursued a copyright infringement and RICO lawsuit against the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for allegedly illegally publishing quotes and audio excerpts from the syndicated talk show regarding Islam out of context, and using them for fundraising purposes while damaging the value of Savage’s copyrighted material. While the initial lawsuit filed by Savage was withdrawn, CAIR attempted to extract attorney’s fees and costs from Savage that totaled close to $200,000.00. Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court (a Clinton-appointee) ruled in favor of Savage, denying the Islamic lobby group any attorney’s fees or costs.
CAIR later filed a motion for consideration, but that was denied as well.
Said Susan Illston, United States District Judge: “Defendants have filed a motion for reconsideration of the Court’s November 12 Order denying defendants’ motion for attorneys’ fees. The motion is scheduled for hearing on January 30, 2009. Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7-1(b), the Court finds this matter appropriate for resolution without oral argument and hereby VACATES the hearing. Having considered the papers submitted, and for good cause shown, defendants’ motion is DENIED.”
