Sony Music Sues Triller Over Allegedly Missed Royalty Payments

Earlier this month, Sony Music Entertainment pulled the rights to its catalog from Triller, alleging they were owed millions in royalty payments. The label is now suing the video app for alleged copyright infringement and alleged breach of contract, claiming they failed to heed their licensing agreement’s termination. (Pitchfork)

Sony accused the label of “brazen contempt” for its intellectual property rights and allegedly failing to pay any royalties since March this year. They are currently seeking compensation and statutory damages, an order to stop Triller from allegedly infringing its copyrights and a declaration that Triller allegedly infringed copyright.

A representative for Triller shared the following statement with Pitchfork:

The Sony catalog has been removed from Triller; if there are any songs or artists remaining, they are potentially user-uploaded and are protected under the DMCA. Triller has an authorized DMCA agent and complies with takedowns within or less than 24 hours. The case is about fewer than 100 user-uploaded songs and questions if we’ve been compliant under DMCA, which we believe we have. We have always had a good relationship with Sony and believe this will resolve quickly and amicably.

He also said that they haven’t yet been served, but that the lawsuit from Sony Music is a mischaracterization of their relationship that fits the image of major labels bullying others in the music domain. Though all identified music from Sony has now been removed from Triller, the company remains focused on furthering the creator economy.

Last year, Universal Music Group withdrew its music from the platform due to a royalty dispute that was resolved soon after.