Ono sues filmmakers over 'Imagine' use

Yoko Ono is taking legal action against the producers of a documentary after they used John Lennon hit 'Imagine' without permission.

Ono and sons Sean and Julian filed a lawsuit in Manhattan against Premise Media, makers of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, claims the BBC.

Ono said the film's credits made it appear that she had authorised the use of the track, sparking accusations on the internet that she was "selling out".

The firm argued that the single's inclusion is protected by the fair use doctrine, which allows the use of copyrighted materials without permission for the purposes of commentary and criticism. It also stressed that it had used "a very small portion of the song".

The documentary, currently at number ten in the US box office chart, examines alleged discrimination against teachers who support the intelligent design theory of evolution.

The lawsuit aims to prevent Premise Media, C&S Production LP and Rocky Mountain Pictures from continuing to use 'Imagine' in the film. It is also seeking unspecified financial damages.

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