Sony Music Entertainment (SME) faces a new copyright lawsuit from Ultra International Music Publishing, which alleges "massive piracy" of its musical compositions. This latest development adds to an ongoing legal battle between the two companies.

The dispute's background traces to 2012 when Sony Music acquired 50% of Ultra Records, excluding the publishing unit. Patrick Moxey continued operating Ultra International Music Publishing separately until early 2022, when Sony Music purchased the remaining stake in Ultra Records.

Key points of the new lawsuit:

• Ultra Publishing conducted an audit revealing allegedly unpaid royalties from Sony Music
• The publisher ceased licensing works to Sony Music following the audit
• Sony Music allegedly continues using the works without proper licensing
• The infringement reportedly occurs across streaming platforms, sync activities, and physical releases
• Sony Music is accused of directly approaching Ultra-published songwriters (including Flavour, Allie Crystal, Purple Disco Machine, and Rudimental) to bypass Ultra Publishing

This new lawsuit runs parallel to an existing trial regarding the use of the "Ultra" name, which Sony Music seeks to remove from the publisher following their complete acquisition of Ultra Records.

The case, filed in New York federal court, names Sony Music proper, Ultra Records, AWAL, and other subsidiaries as defendants. Ultra Publishing, represented by ChaudhryLaw, claims to have made multiple written demands for Sony Music to cease the alleged infringement, which were reportedly refused.

This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between music publishers and major labels over licensing rights and royalty payments in the digital age.

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