"Masturbating Bear" Music Safe

JANUARY 21--As it kicks Conan O'Brien to the curb with a $32 million golden parachute, NBC is reportedly seeking to maintain control of material developed over the years by the late night host and his writers. This intellectual property, as it were, would apparently include bits like "In the Year 3000" and characters such as "Pimpbot 5000."

But while the "Masturbating Bear" may be headed for permanent hibernation, fans will be happy to know that the risque character's theme music (and that of the Pimpbot) is beyond NBC's grasp, thanks to the foresight of drummer Max Weinberg and guitarist Jimmy Vivino. The musicians copyrighted those compositions in 2004, according to these United States Copyright Office records.

Weinberg and Vivino registered "Masturbating bear music" and "Masturbating bear theme," as well as themes for both Pimpbot 5000 and Pimpbot 2000. Sadly, it is unclear whether these stirring instrumentals will ever again be performed. (2 pages)