High Court Turns Down ‘Titanic’ Theme Song Case

(CN) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a songwriter's claim that his tune was stolen by the producers of the "Titanic" soundtrack.

John Jorgensen sued Sony BMG Music, claiming that his song, "Long Lost Lover," was infringed by the songs "My Heart Will Go On" and "Amazed."

"My Heart Will Go On," sung by Celine Dion, was the Oscar-winning love theme from the record-shattering film "Titanic," while "Amazed" was a hit for the country band Lonestar.

In 2003, the New York City-based 2nd Circuit dismissed Jorgensen's pro se complaint on the basis that his suit was already decided in a similar case against the company's predecessor, Sony Records.

"The factual allegations with respect to Sony in this complaint are identical to those in the previous complaint," the 2nd Circuit wrote.

Jorgensen had argued that his tune was stolen as a result of his unsolicited mass mailings of the song to several record companies.

On Monday, the nation's highest court decided not to disturb the lower court's ruling.

Newly elected Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor took part in the 2nd Circuit decision, so she did not participate in the high court's refusal to take the case.

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