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Universal Music Group Sues Believe and TuneCore for $500 Million Over Allegations of Sharing Sped-up Songs to Bypass Copyright

Universal Music Group (UMG), ABKCO Music & Records, and Concord Music Group have filed a lawsuit against Believe and its subsidiary TuneCore, alleging that they distributed sped-up versions of copyrighted songs to dodge copyright protections. According to Music Business Worldwide, the lawsuit accuses Believe SAS, previously known as Believe Music, of “industrial-scale copyright infringement” and seeks $500 million in damages.

The suit, filed in federal court on 4th November, claims that TuneCore has become a central source for unauthorized, sped-up versions of copyrighted songs, uploading these tracks to streaming and video platforms under altered artist names like ‘Kendirk Laamar’ and ‘Arriana Gramde.’ UMG alleges that Believe knowingly distributed “millions” of these modified versions without adequately preventing copyright violations, allowing users to bypass YouTube’s content-identification system.

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The lawsuit reads that as the distributor, Believe had specific knowledge of the copyright infringement or was, at the very least, aware of the high likelihood of infringement but continued to distribute and claim to license these tracks to other platforms. This ongoing distribution, according to the suit, diverted royalties away from the plaintiffs.

Universal Music Files $500M+ Lawsuit Against Believe & Tunecore

Image Courtesy: Digital Music News

Music Business Worldwide also noted that TuneCore’s terms and conditions require users to accept full responsibility for any copyright violations. A UMG spokesperson stated that Believe’s business practices rely heavily on mass copyright infringement and that their methods harm not only major-label artists but also independent artists, including those associated with trade bodies that Believe itself is a member of. He added that with music adapting to modern fast-paced life, the popularity of sped-up tracks reflects society’s demand for quicker content.

–Silviya.Y

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