NMPA sends cease-and-desist letter to Spotify over lyrics, Billboard reports

Spotify received a cease-and-desist letter from the National Music Publishers’ Association over its use of lyrics in its videos feature, remix tool, and more, Billboard’s Kristin Robinson reports. “Spotify appears to be engaged in direct infringement by hosting unlicensed musical works in its lyrics, videos and podcasts,” the NMPA writes. The organization, which represents music publishers in the U.S., is demanding that these alleged unlicensed works “be removed from the platform or Spotify will face copyright liability for continued use of these works.” A spokesperson for Spotify replied to the letter, saying: “This letter is a press stunt filled with false and misleading claims. It’s an attempt to deflect from the Phono IV deal that the NMPA agreed to and celebrated back in 2022. We paid a record amount to benefit songwriters in 2023, and we are on track to exceed this amount in 2024.”