Hotel wrongly assumes rights to classic rock song's theme

Sure, as the song says, Hotel California might be "such a lovely place," but that does not mean that any lovely place can assume the name or essence of "Hotel California." The Eagles' rock song is a classic. Some people might assume that a subject of pop culture that is so well-known and ingrained in our culture is meant for all to enjoy and share. 

There is a difference, however, between enjoying and profiting from a cultural artifact. The song "Hotel California" is a form of intellectual property that the band has trademarked. It is a significant source of not just fame but income for the Eagles and others associated with the creation of the song. Parties protect their ideas through intellectual property laws for a reason. Now, the Eagles are exercising that protection in a case against a hotel.

According to Business Insider, the famous rock group is suing the owners of a Mexican hotel for using the name of their hit song as the name of their hotel business. Giving their hotel the name "Hotel California" like the song, claim the plaintiffs, is an attempt to profit from the popularity of the song and its creative vibe. 

The Eagles are in no way associated with the hotel; therefore, the hotel owners have no permission to play off of the hit song and profit from that association. It is highly likely that the group has a registered trademark and/or copyright for their song "Hotel California," prohibiting others not involved with that IP from profiting off of the creation. 

At the root of IP cases like this can be a great deal of money. At the heart of all IP cases, famous or not, is protecting the soul of entrepreneurship in America. If you have ideas worth protecting or in need of safeguarding, do not hesitate to work with an accomplished IP attorney in your area.