The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing a complex copyright ownership dispute over the classic song "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)" in *Vetter v. Resnik*, case No. 25-30108, filed Jan. 12, 2026.
Cyril E. Vetter and Vetter Communications Corporation filed suit against Robert Resnik and Resnik Music Group in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, seeking a declaration that they are the sole owners of worldwide copyright rights to the song. The case has now reached the federal appeals court level.
According to court documents, Vetter co-wrote "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)" with Donald Smith. The song's copyright history involves a complex series of assignments and transfers that form the crux of the current legal dispute.
The court record shows that Vetter initially assigned his copyright rights to the song to a music publisher. Years later, however, Vetter terminated that assignment and recaptured his rights to the song, creating what the court refers to as "Vetter's Recaptured Copyright Interest."
The copyright situation became more complicated after Smith's death. Vetter Communications Corporation subsequently purchased the renewal copyright rights that had been held by Smith's heirs, establishing what the court documents call "VCC's Renewal Copyright Interest."
The Vetter plaintiffs filed their complaint in Louisiana federal district court, alleging they are the exclusive owners of all copyright rights to "Double Shot" and have the right to exploit the song commercially. The nature of Resnik's competing claim to ownership rights is not detailed in the available court filings.
The case illustrates the complex web of music copyright law, particularly regarding songs written by multiple authors and the various ways copyright interests can be assigned, transferred, and recaptured over time. Music copyrights are among the most valuable intellectual property assets in the entertainment industry, and disputes over ownership can involve substantial financial stakes.
The Fifth Circuit panel hearing the case consists of Circuit Judges Smith, Stewart, and Ramirez, with Circuit Judge Carl E. Stewart writing the opinion. The appeals court is reviewing the district court's handling of the copyright ownership claims.
Copyright law allows songwriters to terminate assignments of their rights under certain circumstances, a provision designed to protect artists from unfavorable deals made early in their careers. The termination right typically becomes available 35 years after the original assignment, allowing creators to recapture valuable rights as their works potentially increase in value.
Renewal copyright interests represent another layer of copyright law complexity. Under previous copyright statutes, works were subject to an initial term and a renewal term, with renewal rights often held by heirs if the original author died. The Copyright Act of 1976 changed this system, but works created before that date may still be subject to the old renewal system.
The "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)" dispute highlights how music industry copyright ownership can become fragmented over time through various assignments, inheritances, and legal maneuvers. When multiple parties claim ownership rights to the same work, federal courts must sort through the competing claims based on copyright law and the specific facts of each case.
Music copyright cases often involve substantial financial stakes, as successful songs can generate revenue for decades through radio play, streaming services, licensing for films and commercials, and cover versions by other artists. Establishing clear ownership is crucial for determining who receives these ongoing royalties.
The case also demonstrates the importance of proper documentation in music industry transactions. Copyright assignments, terminations, and transfers must be handled according to specific legal requirements to be valid and enforceable.
While the full details of the dispute between Vetter and Resnik are not apparent from the available court filings, the case represents a significant copyright ownership battle that could affect how the song is licensed and exploited commercially going forward.
The Fifth Circuit's decision will determine whether the Vetter plaintiffs' claims to sole ownership are legally sound or whether Resnik has valid competing rights to the song. The outcome could set important precedent for similar music copyright disputes involving co-authored works and complex ownership histories.
The appeals court's ruling will resolve the immediate dispute between the parties and provide clarity on the ownership rights to "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)," but it may also offer guidance for the music industry on how courts handle complex copyright ownership scenarios involving multiple authors, assignments, and subsequent transfers of rights.