Village People lead singer wins bump in royalties share

The lead singer of the 1970s costumed pop act Village People has won another round in his ongoing effort to receive a higher royalty rate from the group's catalog.

Last week, a jury seated in U.S. District Court in San Diego ruled in favor of the singer, Victor Willis, in his legal battle against music publishers Scorpio Music and Can't Stop Productions Inc.

Mr. Willis, who wore the police officer costume in the group, first moved to terminate the original copyright to many of the group's songs in 2011 under provisions included in the Copyright Act that went into effect in 1978 and enabled artists to terminate copyright grants after 35 years.

In wake of the jury's decision, Mr. Willis' share of the 33 songs in dispute, which include hits such as “YMCA,” will rise to 50%.