Under the Copyright Act, authors have the option to terminate a grant following a 35-year wait, allowing them to claim ownership over their works. Universal Music Group (UMG) doesn’t want that to happen. So, to avoid this problem, UMG has filed a moti…
Author archives: Daniel Sanchez
Michael Lang Desperately Needs $30 Million by Friday to Save Woodstock 50
Just how far will Michael Lang go? Shortly after the start of the New Year, Woodstock 1969 co-founder Michael Lang confirmed that he was working on a three-day festival to honor the 50th anniversary of the original event. The new festival, dubbed Wood…
Today in Copyright Infringement Lawsuits — Arty Sues Marshmello Over ‘Happier’
Arty’s copyright infringement lawsuit won’t make Marshmello any ‘Happier.’ Popular DJ Marshmello – real name Christopher Comstock – is now at the center of a new and controversial copyright infringement lawsuit. Filed at the United States District Cour…
HBO Calls the Jackson Estate’s $100 Million Lawsuit a ‘Publicity Campaign’
Last February, the Michael Jackson Estate made good on its promise and filed a $100 million civil lawsuit against HBO. The cable network’s decision to air the controversial Leaving Neverland documentary had apparently violated a non-disparagement agree…
The RIAA Contends It Doesn’t Have to Travel to a Foreign Country to Sue Stream-Rippers in the U.S.
Late last summer, the music industry – led by the RIAA – filed a lawsuit against FLVTO.biz, 2conv.com, and their owner, Tofig Kurbanov. Observers had expected the RIAA – which represents Warner, Sony, and Universal Music – to easily win the case. The …
Spotify Expands ‘Stations,’ a Leanback Listening App, Into Australia
Nearly a year and a half ago, Spotify launched a separate streaming music app on Android. Dubbed ‘Stations,’ the app allowed users to listen to curated music stations for free. The app description on Google Play reads, “With the world’s music at your f…
Following Spotify Complaint, European Union Formally Launches Investigation Into Apple’s Business Practices
Two months ago, Spotify filed an antitrust complaint in the European Union over Apple’s 30% ‘tax’ on the App Store. According to the streaming music giant, the 30% fee unfairly stifles creativity and innovation. Keep in mind CEO Daniel Ek still refuse…
Israeli Eurovision Song Contest Is Getting Attacked by Bots, Fake Twitter Accounts
Last year, Netta Barzilai won Eurovision 2018. The 26-year-old Israeli singer’s ‘Toy’ won the annual song contest with 529 points in Libson, Portugal. Born in Hod Hasharon, and after spending four years of her childhood in Nigeria, Barzilai had studied…
Farewell, YouTube Premium? Video Platform Unveils Free, Ad-Supported Originals Offering
Despite the presence of more than 2 billion monthly active users (MAUs), YouTube executives are struggling to get people to sign up for its paid services. Notably, YouTube Premium & Music Premium. Case in point. Shortly after the service’s paid v…
Live Nation’s Q1 2019 — $1.7 Billion in Revenue, $24 Million in Operating Losses
Live Nation has released its financial report for the first quarter of 2019 (Q1 2019). Live Nation’s revenue grew 17% year-over-year to $1.7 billion. Yet, the company also posted an operating loss of $24 million. In addition, at $115 million, the glo…