Midweek Music Update: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Welcome to this fortnight's round-up of news, commentary and industry announcements that you may have missed from the past few weeks.
If you are looking for advice in relation to any of the issues mentioned, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Legal updates
NoCopyrightSounds awarded interim injunction against former distributor and sub-publisher (Simkins)
Suno pushes to keep Warner Music settlement from Universal and Sony (MBW)
George Clinton brings action against UMG for alleged royalties freeze (Digital Music News)
The Twigs countersue FKA Twigs in name lawsuit (Billboard)
Spain awards Shakira tax refund (CMU)
Kanye West ordered to pay $438,000 for unauthorised sample (Guardian)
Cash estate and Coca-Cola in ‘sound-alike’ dispute (MBW)
First sound mark applications sent to European Union Intellectual Property Office (IPkat)
In the news
MPG and MMF reveal producer deals guidance for UK industry (Music Week)
$1.7 billion investment announced for Abu Dhabi Sphere (Digital Music News)
Three new directors appointed to PRS For Music Members' Council (PRS For Music)
Sony Music Publishing to buy Recognition Music Group catalogue (MBW)
WMG buys Red Hot Chili Peppers’ recorded catalogue (Billboard)
Spotify ends ‘Premium Lite’ tier in major markets but increases subscription price in Canada (CMU)
Pete Townshend partners with Primary Wave (Music Week)
'Are You Gonna Be My Girl' hitmakers Jet sell publishing interest to BMG (MBW)
Soundmouse acquired by BMI creating global cue sheet database and marketplace (Digital Music News)
Primary Wave buys album art collection from Hipgnosis design studio founder (Musically)
Samsung sued by Dua Lipa for $15 million for alleged breach of image rights (BBC)
€1.5billion in SACEM distributions for 2025 - up 9% (Music Week)
Features and commentary
Why does the United Kingdom keep failing at Eurovision? (BBC)
Is ‘Blue Dot Fever’ making touring sick? (Digital Music News)
UK government disappoints with ticket tout draft legislation (Music Week)
Congressional hearing says break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster (CMU)
Industry changes and developments
BPI report predicts AI licensing boom for UK (Record of the Day)
