Patrick Moxey's Ultra Music Publishing has been ordered by a federal judge to change its name within six months following a trademark dispute with Sony Music. The ruling comes after a jury found the company breached Sony's 'Ultra' trademark rights.

The dispute arose after Moxey, who founded Ultra Records in 1995 and Ultra Music Publishing in 2004, 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 following the sale.

The jury determined that:

• The Ultra trademark was distinctive
• The publishing company's continued use was misleading
• The trademark use would likely dilute Ultra Records' brand

Despite finding the trademark breach, the jury concluded that no customer confusion resulted from Ultra Music Publishing's use of the name. Consequently, no damages or legal costs were awarded to Sony.

A separate legal battle continues between the parties, with Moxey's Ultra International Music Publishing and Ultra Music Publishing Europe suing Sony Music Entertainment and its subsidiaries for alleged copyright infringement. Sony has requested the dismissal of this lawsuit, characterizing it as retaliation for the trademark dispute.

This ruling marks a significant change for Moxey's publishing company, requiring a complete rebranding within the six-month timeline set by the federal judge.

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