Spotify’s Musical Misstep: Wixen Music Publishing Strikes Back
What’s the Ripple?
Spotify, the Swedish streaming champion, is tangled up in a lawsuit filed by Wixen Music Publishing Inc last week. Wixen argues that the platform has been streaming thousands of songs—think Tom Petty, Neil Young, and the Doors—without a proper licence or the funds to pay the rightful owners.
Key Allegations
- Wixen holds exclusive rights to classics like “Free Fallin’” (Tom Petty), “Light My Fire” (the Doors), and even “Good Thing” (Weezer).
- The lawsuit demands a minimum of US$1.6 billion (about S$2.1 billion) in damages, plus an injunction to stop the streaming spree.
- According to Wixen, Spotify bypassed both direct and compulsory licensing routes, leaving the company out of pocket.
- Wixen accuses Spotify of outsourcing license work to the Harry Fox Agency—a move it claims was “ill‑equipped” to secure the needed mechanical licences.
What’s Spotify’s Response?
Spotify has stayed quiet, choosing not to comment on the claims.
A Quick Glance at Past Settlements
In May, the Stockholm‑based company settled a class‑action lawsuit that accused it of not paying royalties for a number of songs. That settlement landed at over US$43 million.
Time’s Tick‑Tock: A Stock Market Countdown
Looking ahead, Spotify plans a stock‑market listing later this year. Its value has been soaring—up about 20%—and it’s currently valued at a staggering US$19 billion.
Bottom Line
It’s a reminder that even the biggest music kiosks can’t afford to skimp on rights. Will Spotify manage to keep the lights on—or is it going to hit a sour note in court? Only time (and the judge’s decision) will tell.
