Music Business
All about the world of music business.
Bill Withers Publisher Sues UMG, Sony, and Kobalt Over Olivia Dean’s “I’ve Seen It”
Bill Withers’ publisher Bleunig Music sued Capitol, UMG, Sony publishing, and Kobalt in Los Angeles federal court on October 1, claiming Olivia Dean’s “I’ve Seen It” copies the melody of “Just the Two of Us.”
Judge Lets FTC BOTS Act Case Against Ticketmaster and Live Nation Proceed
Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong denied Ticketmaster’s motion to dismiss the FTC’s BOTS Act suit, holding platforms can face liability and sending the case into discovery.
Sia Sells 50% Catalog Stake to Pophouse in Reported $180 Million Deal
Pophouse confirmed a 50% stake in Sia’s publishing and master rights on October 1; multiple outlets put the partnership near $180 million, with an immersive avatar show in early planning.
IMPEL and IMPF Set Seven Principles for Generative AI Song Licensing
IMPEL and IMPF published a joint generative-AI licensing framework on September 30 insisting the song be valued at least equally with the recording, covering training, outputs, and transparency.
CRB Presses Phonorecords V Settlement Over 12-Cent Reset and Ringtone Freeze
Copyright Royalty Judges stayed the Phonorecords V physical/download/ringtone settlement and ordered labels and publisher groups to answer ten questions by October 2 over a disputed 12-cent base and a frozen 24-cent ringtone rate.
