NEW YORK – Nov 6, 2020 – Today, Billboard Magazine released its November 2020 feature article regarding JaQuel Knight’s quest to obtain a copyright registration for his choreography as featured in the smash-hit music video Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), performed by Beyoncé Knowles.
JaQuel, now widely recognized as one of the preeminent choreographers in the world, and his mentor Frank Gaston Jr., co-authors of the work, previously won the MTV Moonman at the 2009 Video Music Awards (VMAs) for Best Choreography in connection with their work on the Single Ladies choreography.
Ultimately, it was David L. Hecht, founder and managing partner of Hecht Partners LLP (“Hecht Partners”) that filed and succeeded in obtaining the registration for copyright on the iconic choreography, which has been awarded Registration Number PA 2-247-718.
JaQuel and his counsel at Hecht Partners hired the Dance Notation Bureau (“DNB”) to notate the choreography before it could be formally registered. A copy of the notation submission to the USPTO is available on the Hecht Partners website. As recognized by Billboard, the copyright registration on Single Ladies is historic, as it makes Knight “the first commercial choreographer in pop music to succeed in [obtaining a copyright registration] for his work.”
Mr. Hecht described that obtaining the registration was “momentous” as “JaQuel’s choreography as performed in Single Ladies is truly iconic.”
“Registration of choreography has been allowed by the Copyright Office since 1978,” added Mr. Hecht, who has been heavily involved in the protection of intellectual property rights for his entire career. “However, many choreographers and dancers are not aware that protection of this form of intellectual property exists. I am honored to work with JaQuel and his manager, Mary Pelloni, to ensure that his intellectual property is fully protected.”
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