Tyler Perry Sued For Alleged Copyright Infringement

November 26, 2009 6:11 a.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Tyler Perry has been slapped with a lawsuit by the estate of the late gospel singer/songwriter Bertha James for allegedly lifting an entire verse of James' song for his film "Madea Goes to Jail.

According to the federal lawsuit obtained by TMZ, a personal representative of the deceased singer claims Perry used an entire verse of "When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus," a song James wrote in 1950.

Perry allegedly took the verse and used it in his 2009 film, "incorporating the entire Chorus in a monologue delivered by the main character in 'Madea' referencing her deliverance from a jail sentence and leniency for repetitive criminal conduct, in a staged court proceeding presided over by 'Judge Mabeline.'"

Lionsgate Entertainment, which distributed the film, is also named as defendant.

The estate is asking for unspecified damages for copyright infringement.