Patrick Moxey's Ultra Music Publishing must change its name within six months following a federal judge's ruling that found the company in breach of Sony Music's 'Ultra' trademark.

The ruling comes after Moxey, who founded Ultra Records in 1995, sold his remaining stake in Ultra Records to Sony Music in 2021. Sony filed a lawsuit in 2022, arguing that Moxey no longer had rights to the Ultra trademark for his publishing company, which he founded in 2004.

The jury determined that:

• The Ultra trademark was distinctive
• Ultra Music Publishing's continued use was misleading
• The trademark use was likely to dilute Ultra Records' brand
• No customer confusion resulted from the breach
• No damages were awarded to Sony

A separate legal battle continues between the parties. In November, Moxey's Ultra International Music Publishing and Ultra Music Publishing Europe sued Sony Music Entertainment and its subsidiaries for alleged copyright infringement. Sony has requested the lawsuit's dismissal, claiming it's retaliation for the trademark suit.

The publishing company now has six months to complete its mandatory name change, marking a significant shift in the ongoing dispute between Moxey and Sony Music Entertainment.

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