There might be signs that music publishers and the social media platform X are closing in on a resolution for their copyright dispute, which dates back two years, as suggested by recent court filings in Tennessee’s federal court.
In June of 2023, a group consisting of Universal Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell, along with other notable entities like Concord, BMG, and Kobalt, initiated a $250 million lawsuit against what was then known as X (later renamed by Elon Musk that same year). The reason for this legal action was X’s alleged refusal to obtain licenses for the multitude of songs available on its platform. Furthermore, the complaint asserted that X not only hosts but also streams unauthorized copies of music compositions.
David Israelite, head of the National Music Publishers Association, stated when the lawsuit was initiated in 2023 that Twitter is the biggest social media site that has consistently declined to license the vast collection of songs available on its platform. He emphasized that Twitter is well aware that millions of songs are shared, released, and streamed daily by users on their platform. He added that Twitter can no longer evade responsibility by hiding behind the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) without compensating songwriters and music publishers for their work.
Last year, Judge Aleta Trauger partially dismissed the lawsuit by discarding certain publishers’ copyright infringement allegations. However, the case was not completely terminated, as it is still ongoing due to the plaintiffs’ claims that X has been:
1. Offering less stringent copyright protection to verified users.
2. Neglecting to address takedown notices in a prompt manner.
3. Failing to take adequate measures against persistent serial infringers.
On June 6th, the publishers and entity X mutually requested a pause in the court proceedings, stating that they aim to actively negotiate and peacefully settle this lawsuit. By June 11th, Judge Trauger granted this delay. The publishers and X have until September 5th (90 days from the stay order) to resolve the dispute before the pause is lifted.
If our talks keep rolling productively, but we don’t manage to find a solution within 90 days, we can mutually ask for more time to hash things out.” (Gamer speaking)
As a passionate supporter, I’m excited to share that my purpose for meeting with X is to find solutions on the dispute resolution and fair compensation for songwriters and publishers regarding past unauthorized uses. This gathering also serves as a platform for future licensing agreements. The National Music Publishers’ Association communicated this intention in their official statement.
A representative for X didn’t immediately reply to request for comment.
As per the original petition for postponement, it was anticipated that the discovery phase of this case would conclude on July 17, 2025. The companies mentioned that several depositions were yet to be conducted before the end of discovery, as well as expert reports scheduled to be submitted in August.
The parties stated that various activities, both anticipated and unforeseen, such as dispute over evidence collection, might complicate the chances for a peaceful settlement in this court case.
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2025-06-17 04:24