Music Business News: North America

Sony Music Publishing confirms agreement to acquire Blackstone’s Recognition Music Group catalog, encompassing over 45,000 songs

The deal, announced on Monday (May 11), is subject to customary closing conditions.

Taylor Swift hits back at ‘Showgirl’ trademark lawsuit, calling it ‘meritless,’ and alleges plaintiff used her IP in 40+ social media posts

Taylor Swift's legal team has filed an opposition to a motion for preliminary injunction

Michael Jackson biopic passes $500 million at global box office – as Sony Music reaps streaming windfall from catalog stake

That makes it only the second music biopic ever to cross the $500 million threshold, after 2018's Bohemian Rhapsody.

Red Hot Chili Peppers sells recorded music catalog to Warner Music Group for $300 million+

Band had been shopping catalog since early last year, according to reports

Native Instruments acquired by inMusic, owner of Akai and Moog, three months after entering insolvency

The deal comes roughly three months after Native Instruments entered preliminary insolvency proceedings in Germany.

From Tencent Music’s 250K song takedowns to Sony and WMG’s calendar Q1 results… it’s MBW’s weekly round-up

The biggest headlines from the past few days...

Law firm Serling Rooks rebrands as McKoy Worob Averill Scott & Koenig LLP, elevates Jeffrey Koenig and adds Margo Scott as named partner

The change, which took effect in January 2026, follows the departure of named partners Reid Hunter and Joe Serling

Sony generated $3.03bn from recorded music and publishing in calendar Q1 2026, up 19.5% YoY

Recorded music streaming revenue (combining subscription and ad-funded streaming) was up 13.6% YoY.