Universal Music Launches $500M Copyright Lawsuit Against Believe and TuneCore Over Mass Piracy
Universal Music Group (UMG) and its subsidiaries have filed a $500 million lawsuit against Believe and TuneCore, alleging systematic 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 tracks (including "sped up" and "remixed" versions)
- Manipulation of YouTube's content management system to claim ownership of UMG recordings
UMG's legal team claims Believe has knowingly built its business model around piracy while avoiding basic copyright protection measures. The lawsuit seeks:
- Minimum damages of $500 million
- Permanent injunction against infringing activities
- Protection for pre-1972 sound recordings
- Impoundment and destruction of infringing copies
- Recovery of legal fees and costs
The case will proceed to a jury trial, with UMG pursuing claims of direct, contributory, and vicarious copyright infringement.
Related Articles
Artist Partner Group Files Lawsuit Against Create Music Over Artist Contract Interference
