Israeli Child Creator Sues Small Businesses Over Unauthorized Use of Viral Song
Nir Krigel, an 11-year-old Israeli creator behind the viral "UFO Song," has launched a series of copyright lawsuits against small business owners who used his song without permission for marketing purposes. Among the defendants is Or German, a fitness coach from Givatayim, who faces a 100,000 shekel lawsuit after posting an Instagram Reel featuring the song's viral sound and the phrase "What is that in the sky?" German initially received a warning demanding 25,000 shekels and immediate removal of the video. After removing the content and offering a 3,000 shekel settlement, the offer was rejected and the full lawsuit was filed. German described the amount as potentially devastating, emphasizing he is a small business owner trying to survive.
Other small business owners have reported similar legal actions. Alon Shtoyar, a studio owner, received a 100,000 shekel claim over a post quoting a line from the song without playing music, while a social media manager was sued for 50,000 shekels over an AI-generated video with only 300 views. Krigel's legal team, led by attorney Ariel Dovinsky, stressed that copyright law applies regardless of the artist's age or fame, and that commercial use of the song requires permission. Dovinsky noted the original production cost tens of thousands of shekels and that attempts were made to reach settlements before court proceedings.
The lawsuits have sparked controversy and criticism. Avier Kara, co-founder of the "I Shulman" freelancers organization, condemned the legal actions as extortion by aggressive lawyers exploiting copyright law against small businesses, including reserve soldiers. Kara urged Israeli courts to reject such lawsuits and impose heavy legal costs on serial plaintiffs and their attorneys. The debate highlights tensions between protecting creators' rights and the impact on small entrepreneurs using viral content on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
