Artist Partner Group Files Lawsuit Against Create Music Group Over Artist Poaching and Copyright Violation
Artist Partner Group (APG) has filed a lawsuit against Create Music Group, alleging copyright violations through artist poaching and unauthorized song uploads to YouTube.
The lawsuit claims Create Music Group engaged in multiple forms of copyright infringement by:
- Illegally uploading APG artists' songs to streaming services
- Collecting royalties without authorization
- Approaching APG-signed artists with YouTube monetization deals that violated existing contracts
- Making false claims about APG's performance to lure artists away
Wooden gavel on brown surface
Create Music Group has dismissed the allegations as "unfounded," suggesting APG is struggling to adapt to the digital age. The company, founded in 2015, is known for its YouTube royalties collection business and owns several subsidiaries including Label Engine, Flighthouse, and holds a majority stake in The Nations.
This isn't Create's first legal challenge. In 2022, multiple executives reported instances of Create claiming YouTube royalties without proper rights. Additionally, DigiGlo filed a lawsuit in 2023, claiming Create's tactics caused them to lose years of payments for over 400 works on YouTube. That case remains ongoing.
Napster interface showing missing royalty payments
Netflix building sign at night
Related Articles
Trevor Noah Returns As Grammy Awards Host for Fifth Year Amid LA Wildfire Crisis
