Jamie Nelson Secures Early Win in Amy Taylor (Amyl and the Sniffers) Dispute as Court Signals Federal Claim ‘Cannot Survive’

Setting the Record Straight: Court’s Tentative Ruling in Amy Taylor v Jamie Nelson Copyright Dispute

Nelson speaks out on inaccuracies reported in recent media coverage

Statement by Jamie Nelson:

Statements attributed to Amy Taylor’s attorney in multiple outlets are inaccurate and mischaracterize the Court’s ruling.

In a 15-page tentative ruling, the Court indicated it would rule in Jamie Nelson’s favor on the Rule 12(c) motion for judgment on the pleadings, which indicates the federal claim brought against Nelson would be dismissed.

The Court’s tentative ruling states that Plaintiff Amy Taylor’s Lanham Act claim “cannot survive” under the Ninth Circuit’s Rogers test, and indicates it would be dismissed with prejudice. The ruling further indicates that Plaintiff’s remaining state law claims may also be subject to dismissal. The tentative ruling indicates an early win for Jamie Nelson and, more broadly, for the protection of artists’ rights.

At the March 30 hearing, the Court allowed Plaintiff an opportunity to amend, while expressing doubt that the identified deficiencies could be cured.

“I look forward to a final ruling on my dispositive motions,” said Nelson.

“My copyright counterclaims remain active and will continue to move forward against Amy Taylor, Amyl and the Sniffers, John Angus Stewart, and PHC Films,” Nelson added.

“This case highlights the realities independent artists face when navigating disputes against well-funded and aggressive legal pressure. I will continue to assert my rights as an artist as this matter proceeds.”

The Court has set a mediation deadline of April 23, 2026, with a post-mediation conference scheduled for April 27, 2026.

The only final ruling to date came on March 30, when the Court denied Plaintiff’s application for default judgment against Jamie Nelson Studios LLC as shown in the minutes below.

Below are screenshots from the Court’s tentative ruling dated March 18, 2026. As of April 2, no final ruling has been issued on Jamie Nelson’s anti-SLAPP motion or Rule 12(c) motion for judgment on the pleadings against Plaintiff Amy Taylor.

The Court’s tentative ruling states that Plaintiff “cannot survive the Rogers test” and indicates that the Lanham Act claim would be dismissed.