UMG Lawsuit Prompts DistroKid to Remove Music Before Any Court Ruling
DistroKid confirms limited music removals following UMG claims, highlighting the immediate distribution risks for independent artists while liability remains unresolved.
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Copyright Office Opens Formal Inquiry Into Music Streaming Fraud
The U.S. Copyright Office is seeking evidence on bot farms, artificial intelligence, royalty diversion and potential legal or regulatory responses to music streaming fraud.
Read MoreMichael Smith Gets 18 Months in Prison for $8 Million Streaming Fraud
Michael Smith was sentenced October 6 to 18 months in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $8 million after pleading guilty in an AI-assisted music-streaming fraud case.
Read MoreFreddie Jackson, Voice of “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight,” Dies
Freddie Jackson’s family announced his death October 6. The singer helped define adult R&B radio with “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight.”
Read MoreIndependent Publishers Tell AI Companies: The Song Deserves Its Share
IMPEL and IMPF’s joint framework calls for fair valuation of compositions, transparent licensing and clearer attribution in generative AI music.
Read MoreAvex Raises Its S10 Ownership to 85% as Management and Music Rights Converge
Avex increased its S10 Entertainment ownership to 85%, with an agreement to reach full ownership over time.
Read MoreThe Game’s Label Sues Over Allegedly Unspent Promotion Budget—Including Radio
100 Entertainment alleges Universal and Virgin failed to deploy much of an agreed marketing budget. The claims remain disputed.
Read MoreUnclaimed Music Royalties Start Moving in April 2027—Songwriters Should Check Their Catalogs Now
The Mechanical Licensing Collective will begin monthly market-share distributions in April 2027. Songwriters should review unclaimed works and recording matches before money is redistributed.
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When Does Internet Radio Become Interactive Streaming? Pandora’s Royalty Fight Heads Toward Trial
A federal judge declined to end the Mechanical Licensing Collective’s royalty lawsuit against Pandora, leaving a trial to examine whether Pandora Free’s on-demand features make the service interactive.
Read MoreMusic Services Adds Nick LaPointe and Expands Jay Sudarma’s Marketing Role
Nick LaPointe joins Music Services in business development; Jay Sudarma takes an expanded marketing leadership role.
Read MoreRobin Davies to Become amra CEO as Tomas Ericsson Moves to Chairman
Robin Davies succeeds Tomas Ericsson as amra chief executive on January 1, 2027.
Read MoreLibby Bush to Lead Universal Music Group’s Global Brand Partnerships
Libby Bush joins UMG in November in a newly created global partnerships leadership role.
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