Universal Music Group Launches $500M Lawsuit Against Believe and TuneCore Over Alleged Mass Copyright Infringement
Universal Music Group (UMG) has initiated a $500 million lawsuit against Believe and TuneCore, alleging widespread copyright infringement and unauthorized distribution of protected music content.
Universal Music sues Believe and TuneCore
Key allegations in the lawsuit include:
- Distribution of unauthorized copies of popular recordings from artists like Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga
- Exploitation of distribution partnerships with TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify
- Wrongful collection of royalties through altered versions of songs ("sped up" or "remixed")
- Manipulation of YouTube's content management system to claim ownership of UMG recordings
The lawsuit, filed by UMG alongside Capitol Records, ABKCO Music & Records, and Concord Music Group, seeks:
- $500 million in damages
- Permanent injunction against infringing activities
- Statutory damages for pre-1972 sound recordings
- Impoundment and destruction of infringing copies
- Recovery of attorneys' fees and costs
According to the complaint, Believe has "eschewed basic measures to prevent copyright violations" while knowingly profiting from pirated content. The case will proceed to a jury trial as requested by UMG.
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