McCain Says Sorry for Campaign Use of Signature Jackson Browne Song

Sen. John McCain has apologized for his campaign's unauthorized use of Jackson Browne's signature 1977 hit Running on Empty in a settlement of a lawsuit filed by the singer-songwriter.

Whether the settlement agreement includes any monetary payment wasn't disclosed, but Browne says he was concerned that individuals hearing his song would take it to mean that he had endorsed the Republican's presidential bid, reports the Associated Press. In fact, he supported—and contributed to—President Barack Obama's campaign.

He also hopes that his high-profile suit will discourage others from such copyright violations and help protect the rights of other artists. McCain didn't know about the Internet ad using Browne's song before it ran, and it was pulled after the singer complained, the news agency notes.

"The educational significance cannot be understated," says attorney Lawrence Iser of Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert, who represented Browne. "People like Jackson have the right to license the use of their songs for political campaigns, or to choose not to."

Additional coverage:

ABAJournal.com: "Jackson Browne Sues John McCain Over Song Use in Campaign Advertising"

ABAJournal.com: "All Eagles Star Wants to Do Is Sue Over Senate Candidate’s Alleged Song Misuse"

The Sleuth (Washington Post): "Jackson Browne Defeats John McCain"