Judge throws out lawsuit against Chuck Berry

A US judge has thrown out a lawsuit against Chuck Berry filed by his long-time collaborator.

Johnnie Johnson was suing Berry over royalties generated by songs written from 1955-66.

The judge ruled that too may years had passed since the songs in question had been written.

They include hits such as No Particular Place to Go, Roll Over Beethoven and Sweet Little Sixteen.

The lawsuit stated the two were co-writers on many of the songs that went on to become number 1 hits, but Berry copyrighted them in his name alone. Johnson received none of the royalties as a result.

Johnson's attorney said his client had not yet decided whether to appeal.