You can negotiate just about anything. Most people don't realize that and frequently fall victim to people's power trips. For example, let's look at Tanya Anderson, an individual accused by the music industry of stealing music. On the opposing side was the music industry, who demanded that Tanya pay up or face a lawsuit.
The music industry, represented by Atlantic Recording, Priority Records, Capitol Records, UMG Recordings, and BMG Music wanted their usual monetary demand. Tanya denied the allegations brought against her. Eventually, her staunch opposition to the charges paid off, and the complaint against her was dropped. While this left her cleared of the copyright charges, she was still about $300,000 in the hole with legal fees. Because the allegations were dropped, this entitled her to make a claim for attorney fees.
Her claim was quasi-successful. In an order directed by the judge overseeing the case, "Andersen now requests an award of attorney fees in the amount of$298,995.00 and costs in the amount of $5,387.05." The music industry, like Tanya, wasn't about to be steamrolled and objected to the substantial fee.
It seems everyone's keen negotiating skills paid off, as the judge came back and ordered that "Andersen should be awarded attorney fees in the amount of$103,175. Andersen's Bill of Costs in the amount of
$4,659 should be APPROVED."
It's possible the music industry may object, and seek to have the award lowered even further.
The music industry, represented by Atlantic Recording, Priority Records, Capitol Records, UMG Recordings, and BMG Music wanted their usual monetary demand. Tanya denied the allegations brought against her. Eventually, her staunch opposition to the charges paid off, and the complaint against her was dropped. While this left her cleared of the copyright charges, she was still about $300,000 in the hole with legal fees. Because the allegations were dropped, this entitled her to make a claim for attorney fees.
Her claim was quasi-successful. In an order directed by the judge overseeing the case, "Andersen now requests an award of attorney fees in the amount of$298,995.00 and costs in the amount of $5,387.05." The music industry, like Tanya, wasn't about to be steamrolled and objected to the substantial fee.
It seems everyone's keen negotiating skills paid off, as the judge came back and ordered that "Andersen should be awarded attorney fees in the amount of$103,175. Andersen's Bill of Costs in the amount of
$4,659 should be APPROVED."
It's possible the music industry may object, and seek to have the award lowered even further.