Sony Music Entertainment faces a new copyright lawsuit from Ultra International Music Publishing, which accuses the major label of widespread copyright infringement. This legal battle adds to an ongoing trial between the two companies.

Key Points of the Dispute:

• Ultra Publishing filed the lawsuit in a New York federal court against Sony Music, Ultra Records, AWAL, and other subsidiaries
• The conflict stems from Sony's 2012 purchase of 50% of Ultra Records (excluding publishing) and subsequent full acquisition in 2022
• An audit revealed alleged unpaid royalties, leading Ultra Publishing to cease licensing their works to Sony
• Sony allegedly continues to use Ultra's compositions without proper licensing on streaming platforms, sync activities, and physical releases
• The lawsuit claims Sony directly approached Ultra-published songwriters (including Flavour, Allie Crystal, Purple Disco Machine, and Rudimental) to bypass Ultra Publishing

Background Context:

• Patrick Moxey operated Ultra International Music Publishing independently under its original name per previous agreements
• After full acquisition of Ultra Records, Sony attempted to terminate the name-licensing arrangement
• Sony sued to remove "Ultra" from the separate publisher's name, leading to the current jury trial

The dispute now encompasses both the original trial over naming rights and this new copyright infringement lawsuit, with Ultra Publishing seeking damages for alleged unauthorized use of their compositions and interference with songwriter contracts.

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