Sony Music and Ultra Records have filed a lawsuit against Canadian dance label Monstercat over an alleged unauthorized version of the popular 2014 hit song “Dancin” by Aaron Smith feat. Luvli. The track, which has amassed over 200 million streams on Spotify, was reportedly re-released by Monstercat in 2020 without obtaining permission from the original rights holders.
The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims that Monstercat released a remix of “Dancin” by Krono in September 2020 without acquiring the necessary licenses from Sony Music and Ultra Records. It further alleges that Monstercat continued to profit from the track despite being aware of the infringement.
The legal action seeks damages for copyright infringement and unfair competition, as well as an injunction to prevent Monstercat from further exploiting the song. This case emphasizes the significance of obtaining proper licenses and permissions within the music industry, particularly in the digital age where music can be easily distributed and remixed.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Sony Music stated, “We take the protection of our intellectual property very seriously and will take all necessary steps to ensure that our rights are respected. We expect all those who use our music to do so with the appropriate licenses and permissions.”
Ultra Records echoed this sentiment, adding, “As a label, we invest heavily in our artists and their music, and we are committed to protecting their rights and ensuring they are fairly compensated for their work.”
The case also raises questions about the responsibility of streaming platforms, such as Spotify, in monitoring and enforcing copyright infringement. While these platforms have measures in place to identify and remove infringing content, the sheer volume of uploads makes it challenging to catch every instance of infringement.
The lawsuit is ongoing, and its outcome remains to be seen. However, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the music industry and the potential consequences of disregarding them.
