Spotify Hit with $1B Lawsuit Over Music Rights Violations and Unfair Trade Practices
PRO Music Rights and Sosa Entertainment have filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Spotify, alleging mass copyright infringement and deceptive trade practices. The lawsuit claims Spotify failed to pay royalties on over 550 million streams and improperly removed content starting in May 2017.
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Key allegations in the lawsuit:
- Unpaid royalties on 550+ million streams
- Unjustified removal of content without notice or opportunity to address issues
- Anti-competitive behavior
- Unfair and deceptive business practices
- Interference with third-party contracts
The content removal in 2017 allegedly caused complications between Sosa Entertainment and Merlin, which represents independent labels in negotiations with Spotify.
Jake Noch, founder and CEO of Pro Music Rights, stated the company will ask a Florida jury to hold Spotify accountable for intellectual property infringement and unfair trade practices.
Case details:
- Case name: Pro Music Rights LLC et al v. Spotify AB et al.
- Case number: 2:19-cv-00843
- Court: United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- Filing date: November 25, 2019
- Attorneys: Richard Gora and Sinead Rafferty (Gora LLC), Vito Roppo (Colosseum Counsel, PLLC)
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This lawsuit follows another recent billion-dollar case filed by Eminem's publisher Eight Mile Style, which challenges certain provisions of the Music Modernization Act regarding Spotify's liability for previous copyright infringements.
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