The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), a trade union representing the rights of songwriters and publishers, has initiated legal proceedings against Twitter over copyright infringement. This lawsuit was filed today (June 14) in a federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, according to a report by the New York Times and documentation seen by Newsound. The NMPA alleges that Twitter has consistently failed to promptly remove, or disable access to, content that infringes copyright, as indicated by infringement notices. It further contends that Twitter garners substantial profits from this violation of the Publishers’ musical composition catalog.
The lawsuit comprises an exhibit detailing about 1,700 infringed pieces of work. This includes music from Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, the Notorious B.I.G., and Destiny’s Child, with the NMPA demanding roughly $250 million in damages. The lawsuit comprises members such as Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell, BMG Rights Management, Kobalt, and Hipgnosis. Notably, the suit excludes holders of mechanical licenses, which pertain to the rights of specific recordings of copyrighted songs posted on Twitter.
Other social networking platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Snap, and TikTok have established agreements with rights owners to license music on their platforms, collectively paying billions of dollars annually. Twitter began negotiations with three major label groups—Universal, Sony, and Warner—in 2021. However, discussions halted following Elon Musk’s leveraged acquisition of the social network worth $44 billion, which triggered a series of substantial cost reductions. In response to a request for a comment, Twitter’s communications department responded with a poop emoji.
As per the NMPA, Twitter serves as a popular destination for multimedia content, where copyrighted audio and video materials draw and keep users engaged. This, in turn, boosts Twitter’s ad business and other revenue sources. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) usually shields social media platforms from liability for copyrighted content posted by its users but sets guidelines for content removal. The NMPA posits that Twitter either delayed or neglected its appeals for removal of copyrighted material from the platform.
Earlier on the same day, NMPA’s president and CEO, David Israelite, announced at the union’s annual assembly that total U.S. publishing revenue increased by 19 percent, from $4.7 billion in 2021 to $5.6 billion in 2022. This rise doesn’t factor in the anticipated additional revenue owed to publishers following the Copyright Royalty Board’s approval of a rate increase for streaming services, retroactive for the 2018-2022 period.
Related:
How Twitter Influenced Music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Twitter Copyright Lawsuit
What is the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) suing Twitter for?
The NMPA is suing Twitter for copyright infringement, alleging that the social media platform has repeatedly failed to remove or disable access to infringing material identified by infringement notices.
How much in damages is the NMPA seeking from Twitter?
The NMPA is seeking close to $250 million in damages from Twitter.
Which music publishers are part of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit includes major music publishers such as Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell, BMG Rights Management, Kobalt, and Hipgnosis.
Why did negotiations between Twitter and major label groups stall?
Negotiations between Twitter and major label groups (Universal, Sony, and Warner) halted after Elon Musk’s leveraged buyout of Twitter, followed by cost-cutting measures implemented by the company.
What is the argument presented by the NMPA in the lawsuit?
The NMPA argues that Twitter, as a platform for multimedia content, benefits from copyrighted audio and video recordings, which attract and engage users, thereby contributing to Twitter’s advertising business and other revenue streams.
How does the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) factor into this lawsuit?
The DMCA generally protects social media platforms from liability for copyrighted content posted by users but provides guidelines for the removal of such content. The NMPA claims that Twitter either delayed or ignored their requests to remove copyrighted material from the platform.
What was the increase in U.S. publishing revenue reported by the NMPA?
According to the NMPA, total U.S. publishing revenue rose by 19 percent from $4.7 billion in 2021 to $5.6 billion in 2022. This increase does not include additional revenue expected from a rate increase for streaming services retroactive to the 2018-2022 period.
More about Twitter Copyright Lawsuit
- New York Times article – Provides information about the NMPA suing Twitter for copyright infringement.
- NMPA Official Website – The official website of the National Music Publishers’ Association for more information about their activities and initiatives.
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) – Details about the DMCA, the law that generally protects social media platforms from liability for copyrighted content.
- Twitter Communications Department – Link to Twitter’s communications department for potential updates or statements regarding the lawsuit.
