Welcome to the Music Business Worldwide weekly review, where we ensure you catch the five biggest stories that made headlines over the past week. The MBW review is supported Center which assists over 500 best-selling artists worldwide in maximizing their income and minimizing touring expenses.
European Commission Investigates UMG Acquisition
On Friday (April 25), the European Commission announced its decision to investigate Universal Music Group’s proposed $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings.
This week, Warner Music Group has also made headlines for filing a copyright infringement lawsuit against Cookie Crumbl, alleging unauthorized use of 159 songs in advertising videos across TikTok and Instagram, where the company boasts millions of followers.
In another development, Universal Music Group Nashville underwent a rebranding to become the Music Corporation of America (MCA), now led by Mike Harris as President and General Director, alongside Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb as the Chief Creative Officer.
Additionally, we reported that Live Nation has acquired Hayashi International Promotions (HIP), one of Japan’s leading concert promoters with a rich history spanning over 40 years.
Lastly, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd has initiated a trademark infringement lawsuit against the operator of the website AnotherBrick.com for allegedly marketing counterfeit goods bearing his name without authorization.
1) Confirmed: European competition regulator to evaluate UMG's $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings
The European regulators are set to investigate Universal Music Group’s proposed $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings. The Financial Times first reported that the announcement of the investigation was expected on April 25, and the official confirmation has since arrived.
The European Commission has acknowledged the requests from Austria and the Netherlands to assess the proposed acquisition under EU merger regulations (EMMR).
FT noted UMG’s comment, stating that the company “seeks to continue cooperation with the commission” and believes it can complete the acquisition in the second half of the year as originally planned.
Photo provided: Robert v Schwemmer / Shutterstock.com
2) Cookie Giant Crumbl faces legal action from Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group has filed a lawsuit against the cookie chain Crumbl, alleging it has built its business through “egregious, willful, and repeated copyright infringements.”
The lawsuit was filed on April 22 in a Utah district court, claiming that Crumbl illegally used at least 159 songs from WMG in advertising videos shared on TikTok and Instagram, where the cookie company has 9.8 million and 6.1 million followers, respectively.
“The defendants illegally appropriated at least 159 popular and valuable sound recordings and compositions, using these creative works to enhance their brand’s profile and drive sales without compensating the plaintiffs,” the complaint outlines…
3) Universal Music Group Nashville rebrands as Music Corporation of America
Universal Music Group Nashville has officially rebranded to the Music Corporation of America (MCA). UMG announced on April 24 that the new name reflects “creativity, imagination, honoring heritage, and the future of music.”
This change follows a recent reorganization within UMG’s Nashville operations, alongside the appointment of the well-respected Music Row executive Mike Harris as General Director.
Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, recognized for significantly influencing Nashville’s sound, has been appointed as the Chief Creative Officer.
UMG stated that under the leadership of Harris and Cobb, the newly unveiled MCA will usher in a “new era with a bold vision for Nashville’s future…”
4) Live Nation acquires Hayashi International Promotions, a key player in Japan’s concert scene
Live Nation has successfully acquired Hayashi International Promotions (HIP), a prominent player in Japan’s live music scene.
Founded over 40 years ago, HIP is one of Japan’s largest concert promoters, overseeing events for both local and international artists.
CEO Kaori Hayashi will continue to lead the company following the acquisition…
Credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com
5) David Gilmour from Pink Floyd sues for trademark infringement
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against a website operator for allegedly selling counterfeit merchandise.
On Monday (April 21), a legal complaint was filed in Illinois against the owner and/or operator of AnotherBrick.com, arguing “to combat online counterfeits that harm (Gilmour’s) reputation and goodwill, selling and/or offering for sale products in connection with David Gilmour’s trademark.
The website at the center of the lawsuit claims to be the “ultimate destination for Pink Floyd-inspired goods,” including T-shirts and home decor items, which “reflect the essence of this iconic band.”
According to the lawsuit, goods linked to David Gilmour are also featured on the site without his permission…
Lucas focuses on the interaction between music and society. He specializes in how music influences and reflects cultures, analyzing the role of sound in social, political, and cultural events around the world.
