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Spotify Receives Cease and Desist From Music Publishers for Alleged Unlicensed Lyrics and Video

NMPA sends Spotify a cease and desist letter over its alleged use of unlicensed lyrics and video on its service. Read the full letter from publishers.

The cease and desist letter, obtained by Billboard, covers a separate issue to last week’s announcement, but the timing suggests the NMPA is hoping to push back against Spotify’s practices on several fronts. Regardless of the mechanical and public performance licenses Spotify may have, however, the use of lyrics and music in videos and podcasts on its platform requires rights that must be negotiated directly with rightsholders in a free market. Accordingly, on behalf of our members, NMPA demands that unlicensed lyrics, music videos, and podcasts be removed from the platform or Spotify will face copyright liability for continued use of these works.

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