Resolution Reached: The End of the Legal Battle Between Patrick Moxey and Sony Music
The legal battle between Patrick Moxey, the founder of Ultra Records, and Sony Music has finally concluded after years of disputes. Payday Music Publishing, owned by Moxey, reached a business resolution with Sony, dismissing copyright claims that were the last remaining issue in their litigation war. The conflict began when Sony sued Moxey for trademark infringement after he continued to use the "Ultra" name for his publishing business following the sale of Ultra Records to Sony in 2022.
Moxey argued that he had the right to operate Ultra Publishing under its original name, but a New York jury ruled in favor of Sony in a trial last December. Moxey then rebranded Ultra Publishing as Payday Publishing in compliance with court orders. Payday Publishing is a reference to Moxey's hip-hop label, Payday Records.
In response to Sony's lawsuit, Ultra Publishing filed its own lawsuit against Sony, alleging that Sony was distributing over 100 unlicensed compositions owned by Ultra Publishing in the works of artists like Tems and Kygo. Sony dismissed the copyright lawsuit as retaliation for the trademark litigation, stating that its licensing practices were appropriate.
The second lawsuit was dropped on Friday with prejudice, signaling the end of the dispute between the two parties. The settlement also addressed a separate issue regarding trial costs in the trademark matter. Sony representatives chose not to comment on the resolution.
The legal battle between Patrick Moxey and Sony Music has finally come to a close after years of disputes and litigation. Payday Music Publishing and Sony have reached a business resolution, resolving all copyright claims and other outstanding issues. The conclusion of this legal saga marks the end of a contentious chapter between the two parties.