The NMPA has launched an extensive podcast takedown campaign against Spotify, targeting over 2,500 instances of alleged music copyright infringement within podcast content.

This action follows the NMPA's previous cease-and-desist letter from May 2024, which addressed concerns about Spotify's unauthorized use of lyrics, music videos, and musical works in podcasts without proper compensation to publishers and administrators.

Key Points of the Takedown Initiative:

• 19 member publishers, including major publishing companies
• Initial target of 2,500+ infringement cases
• Ongoing campaign with more takedown notices planned
• Direct response to Spotify's recent bundling reclassifications

NMPA President David Israelite emphasized that this action was inevitable following previous warnings and called for podcast hosts to demand better practices from Spotify. The organization particularly criticized Spotify's recent bundling strategy, which has reportedly saved the platform over $100 million in royalty payments.

Spotify's Response:

• Dismissed the action as a "weak reaction" to the MLC lawsuit dismissal
• Claimed NMPA delayed providing requested details
• Committed to promptly reviewing and removing infringing content where appropriate

The scope of potential infringement on Spotify's platform includes:

• TikTok video compilations with music
• Unauthorized mixtapes
• Television episodes with licensed music
• Unauthorized concert recordings
• Various other user-generated content

The NMPA has stated it will continue its efforts until Spotify addresses all areas where songwriters are not receiving proper compensation.

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