Browne comes to an agreement with McCain over copyright infringement

LONDON - American rock singer Jackson Browne has come to an agreement with, and received an apology from former presidential candidate John McCain for using one of his songs during last year’s campaign.

Browne, 60, had sued McCain and the Republican Party for copyright infringement last August, after his song ‘Running on Empty’ was used in an Internet advert.

Though details of an agreed financial settlement have not been disclosed, the Republican Party has said it would get artists’ permission before using their work in future campaigns.

“This settlement is really a great affirmation of what I believed my rights to be, and all writers’ rights to be,” the BBC quoted Browne as saying.

“One would hope that a presidential candidate would not only know the law but respect it. It was a matter of bringing that issue to bear,” he said.

‘Running on Empty’ was used in an advert mocking Democrat Barack Obama “for suggesting that the country conserve gas through proper tyre inflation”.

A statement from the party said McCain did not know about the advert, which was created by the Ohio Republican Party and removed after Browne complained.

“We apologise that a portion of the Jackson Browne song Running on Empty was used without permission,” a statement attributed to McCain and the state and national parties said.

Legal papers filed by Browne last year stated he was concerned the use of his music would cause people to conclude he was endorsing McCain, even though he is a self-described liberal.

He had been seeking 75,000 dollars in damages. (ANI)