Bashkiria's Faizi Gaskarov Ensemble to pay almost half a million rubles in lawsuit

The Faizi Gaskarov Ensemble has been ordered to pay almost half a million rubles (approximately $5,400 at current rates) for using compositions by bayan player and honored artist of Russia Rif Muratshin. It was found that the creative association used them illegally. Meanwhile, the plaintiff had demanded 20 million rubles (approximately $216,000 at current rates). The outcome of the case was reported by the Kirovsky District Court of Ufa.

The dispute involved several works: the numbers «Kalinka» and «Rus», as well as the dance «Druzhba» (Friendship). According to the statement by the bayan player«s son, Arthur Muratshin, the ensemble did not have the right to use the music but performed it at several events. The family of the honored artist had demanded 20 million rubles.

«The amount sounds impressive, but it»s important to consider that it«s the sum of all violations. There were four public performances without a license agreement, as well as numerous posts and videos on social media. That»s how the amount adds up. This isn«t 20 million for one violation. The money isn»t even the main thing in this case. The main thing is the protection of rights,« Arthur Muratshin explained to UFA1.RU.

The court partially upheld the claim: it ordered 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,200 at current rates) in compensation for performance without permission, another 180,000 rubles (approximately $1,900 at current rates) for publication without attribution, plus 6,000 rubles (approximately $65 at current rates) in state duty. In addition, the court ordered to cease using the disputed works.

The decision has not yet entered into force, and the parties may appeal it. However, judging by the ensemble«s social media, they agree with it: the disputed compositions have been hidden but not deleted.