The Police Members File Legal Action Against Sting Over Royalty Dispute
In a significant legal battle, Sting has reportedly settled £595,000 with his former bandmates from The Police, drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andrew Summers, regarding unpaid royalties. The High Court has been informed that the two musicians claim they are owed over $2 million in “arranger’s fees” from Sting and his company, Magnetic Publishing.
Why It Matters
This case sheds light on the financial complexities surrounding music royalties, particularly as they relate to modern streaming platforms. As the music industry evolves, the interpretation of agreements formed decades ago is under scrutiny, potentially impacting the revenue streams of countless artists.
Key Developments
- Sting has paid £595,000 to settle claims of unpaid royalties, according to court documents.
- Copeland and Summers assert they are owed over $2 million for “arranger’s fees” related to streaming income.
- The dispute centers on a 2016 agreement stipulating how royalties are shared, with differing interpretations of what constitutes eligible income.
- A preliminary hearing at the High Court is underway, with a trial anticipated for later this year.
Full Report
Legal Claims and Arguments
During the preliminary hearing, barrister Robert Howe KC, representing Sting, noted that the “arranger’s fees” arrangement, which stipulates a 15% sharing of publishing income with his bandmates, does not cover revenue from streaming platforms. Howe emphasized that these fees should only apply to physical music formats such as vinyl and cassettes. He also stated that Sting has made considerable payments of over $800,000 to address what he termed “certain admitted historic underpayments” since the legal proceedings began.
Disagreement on Terms
Meanwhile, Ian Mill KC, who represents Copeland and Summers along with their respective companies, contended that their agreement dates back to 1977. He argued that both musicians believe the 2016 settlement entitles them to a share of all music publishing income derived from various commercial uses, including streaming. The core issue to be resolved in the upcoming trial will be whether the musicians have properly accounted for the arranger’s fees per the 2016 agreement.
Context & Previous Events
The dispute over royalties has its roots in various agreements formulated between the band’s inception in the late 1970s and 2016. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the challenges artists face in interpreting legacy contracts as the music industry undergoes dramatic shifts in revenue generation.
