Ultra Publishing Launches Expanded Copyright Lawsuit Against Sony Music Over Massive Alleged Piracy

Ultra Publishing Launches Expanded Copyright Lawsuit Against Sony Music Over Massive Alleged Piracy

By Marcus Stevenson

March 13, 2025 at 05:34 PM

Ultra Publishing has filed an amended copyright infringement lawsuit against Sony Music, alleging widespread unauthorized use of over 100 musical compositions across streaming, downloads, physical releases, and sync licensing.

Legal document titled Ultra Publishing Lawsuit

Legal document titled Ultra Publishing Lawsuit

The amended complaint, which is six pages longer than the original, provides detailed evidence of alleged infringement, including:

  • Specific dates of initial infringement
  • Digital platforms involved (primarily Spotify)
  • Complete song titles and registration numbers
  • Associated artists and labels

Ultra Publishing specifically refutes Sony Music's characterization of the lawsuit as "revenge" for an earlier trademark dispute, stating: "This is a copyright lawsuit that does not involve trademarks or any sort of 'revenge.'"

Key allegations include:

  • Unauthorized use of copyrighted compositions
  • Improper direct negotiations with Ultra Publishing's songwriters
  • Invalid licensing agreements, as songwriters "did not have the ability to grant licenses"

A live performance from Ultra Records-signed Icona Pop, whose 'Stockholm At Night' allegedly infringes on Ultra Publishing's interest in the underlying composition. Photo Credit: Kim Metso

A live performance from Ultra Records-signed Icona Pop, whose 'Stockholm At Night' allegedly infringes on Ultra Publishing's interest in the underlying composition. Photo Credit: Kim Metso

The lawsuit stems from a complex business relationship where Sony Music purchased Ultra Records in two stages - 50% initially, followed by the remaining stake in 2022. During this period, Patrick Moxey operated Ultra Publishing under a name-licensing arrangement.

Ultra Publishing indicates this lawsuit is "just the first of numerous copyright-infringement actions" planned against Sony Music, with additional legal actions to follow as more alleged infringement is discovered.

This legal battle follows Sony Music's recent victory in a trademark dispute with Ultra Publishing, which resulted in a court order requiring Ultra Publishing to change its name within six months, though no damages were awarded.

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