Royalty Fight Over "Domo Arigoto, Mr. Roboto" Oscar Speech

February 23, 2009 -- Santa Monica, CA. What a litigious web the world weaves. While it has yet to be confirmed, our reporters are hearing rumors that members of the band Styx may be seeking royalty payments from Kunio Kato, who used the phrase "Domo Arigoto, Mr. Roboto" during his acceptance speech at last night's Academy Awards. Mr. Kato uttered the phrase after receiving the award for Best Animated Short Film for La Maison en Petits Cubes.

"Domo arigoto," which in Japanese means thank you very much, was widely popularized in the United States and throughout the world in 1983, in a hit song written by Dennis DeYoung, "Mr. Roboto," and performed by the rock band Styx. DeYoung fronts the band and the song appeared on Styx's Kilroy Was Here album. Speculation is that Styx may be broke and looking for a payday. Other reports include the band could be leveraging a potential lawsuit as a means to get hired on for the soundtrack duties for Mr. Kato's next flick.

The reporters here at Thank God For the Internet Blog will continue investigating this story and provide updates when news breaks.