Spotify settles $1.6 Bn copyright claim brought by Wixen Music Publishing who represent over 2000 songwriters and publishers including Neil Young, Tom Petty and the Black Keys. Wixen Music Publishing had been seeking $1.6 Bn in damages for copyright infringement of more than 10,000 songs but settled out of court for an undisclosed sum which is likely to be significantly less than this as Spotify has not been required to disclose the amount to the SEC which regulates US public companies.
In a joint statement the companies said, ‘Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. and Spotify USA Inc. have agreed to a final dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Wixen Music Publishing late last year. The conclusion of that litigation is a part of a broader business partnership between the parties, which fairly and reasonably resolves the legal claims asserted by Wixen Music Publishing relating to past licensing of Wixen’s catalog and establishes a mutually-advantageous relationship for the future.’
Wixen’s president Randall Wixen said, “I want to thank Daniel Ek and Horacio Gutierrez, and the whole Spotify team, for working with the Wixen team, our attorneys and our clients to understand our issues, and for collaborating with us on a win-win resolution. Spotify is a huge part of the future of music, and we look forward to bringing more great music from our clients to the public on terms that compensate songwriters and publishers as important partners. I am truly glad that we were able to come to a resolution without litigating the matter. Spotify listened to our concerns, collaborated with us to resolve them and demonstrated throughout that Spotify is a true partner to the songwriting community.”
Spotify’s equally conciliatory response from Horacio Gutierrez, General Counsel and VP, Business & Legal Affairs, Spotify was, “We’d like to thank Randall Wixen and Wixen Music Publishing for their cooperation in helping us reach a solution. Wixen represents some of the world’s greatest talents and most treasured creators, and this settlement represents its commitment to providing first-rate service and support to songwriters while broadening its relationship with Spotify.”
