SoundExchange Sues AccuRadio Over Unpaid Digital Streaming Royalties and Seeks Injunction
SoundExchange has filed a lawsuit against Chicago-based internet radio platform AccuRadio over allegedly unpaid royalties. The suit, filed in an Illinois federal court, details a complex history of payment issues dating back to 2016.
SoundExchange logo on black background
Key Details of the Lawsuit:
- AccuRadio made required royalty payments until 2016, though some were "untimely"
- Payments reportedly slowed and stopped completely in 2018
- An early 2020 agreement to resolve missing payments failed
- A June 2023 forbearance agreement was established, set to run until April 2027
- AccuRadio allegedly stopped monthly payments after just three months
SoundExchange's Demands:
- Payment of missing statutory and forbearance-agreement royalties
- Full accounting from June 2021 onward
- Preliminary injunction to prevent AccuRadio from using statutory license without paying royalties
- Rights to collect "all personal property" of AccuRadio as collateral
Current Status: AccuRadio has paid its statutory minimum fees for 2024 and continues to use the statutory license. The company maintains its stations are "absolutely 100% free" for listeners.
Stage with performance lighting and mics
This case joins other ongoing unpaid-royalties litigation by SoundExchange against major platforms like SiriusXM. AccuRadio has described the lawsuit as a "surprise" in a statement to Digital Music News.
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