Wixen Music Publishing Incorporated v Spotify USA
Spotify, the digital music, podcast and video streaming service which we have all grown to know and love since its launch in 2008 revolutionised the music industry as we know it. The streaming company valued at approximately $20 billion, is now facing a $1.6 billion lawsuit brought by Wixen Music Publishing, who are renowned for their collaboration with artists such as Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks and Missy Elliot. Wixen’s allegations follow rumours amid of copyright infringement, after failing to adhere to proper licensing standards contrary to copyright legislation. It is consequently claimed that Spotify has invigorated much of its business by riding on the backs of many of the songwriters and additional publishers whom’s songs are featured across the Spotify platform.
This current lawsuit follows the case of Ferrick v Spotify in which a settlement of $43 million was proposed on the grounds that Spotify fails to “adequately compensate Wixen or the songwriters it represents”. In light of these cases, it is clear that Spotify recurrently fails to comply with statutory licensing standards which often results in a cost to; songwriters, publishers and ultimately, Spotify.
Spotify, will you still listen?
