Legal Challenge Hits Primary Wave Over $90 Million James Brown Estate Deal
The Pullman Group has filed a lawsuit challenging Primary Wave's $90 million acquisition of James Brown's catalog and likeness rights, claiming breach of a 1999 contract.
James Brown singing in concert
Photo Credit: Heinrich Klaffs / CC by 2.0
According to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court on November 15, the Pullman Group secured exclusive rights to refinance or sell James Brown's assets through a contract signed in 1999. This agreement, which was registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, granted Pullman exclusive rights until 2059 following an initial $26 million bond deal.
The suit alleges that the James Brown Estate secretly arranged the Primary Wave deal through Shot Tower Capital in December 2021, bypassing the Pullman Group's contractual rights. The sale included master royalty income, name/likeness rights, and partial publishing rights.
The Pullman Group is seeking damages of:
- 12.5% of the Primary Wave transaction value
- $250,000 in liquidated damages
- Legal fees and interest
- Additional compensatory and punitive damages against Primary Wave and Shot Tower Capital
The lawsuit contends that both Primary Wave and Shot Tower Capital should have been aware of the Pullman Group's exclusive rights under the 1999 engagement letter.
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Sean Combs in white suit
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