Court revives copyright lawsuit against singer Frankie Valli

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A federal appeals court has revived a copyright lawsuit against Frankie Valli and fellow "Four Seasons" band member Robert Gaudio over "Jersey Boys," the popular musical about the band.

Donna Corbello sued Valli and Gaudio in 2011 for copyright infringement, claiming the musical was based in part on an unpublished autobiography of "Four Seasons" band member Thomas DeVito that her late husband ghost wrote. She said she deserved to share in the profits from the musical's success.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday overturned a lower court ruling in favor of Valli and Gaudio and sent the case back down for further proceedings.

Daniel Mayeda, an attorney for Valli and Gaudio, said he was disappointed in the ruling, but had not yet decided whether he would appeal.

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