Warner/Chappell has been backed by its fellow major publishers, plus an array of indies – via global trade body ICMP – in the rights company’s fight to improve Spotify royalties for songwriters in India.
“ICMP and its members express their full support of Warner/Chappell Music in its actions.”
John Phelan, ICMP
That statutory license – which is more typically used by radio and TV broadcasters in India – has yet to be granted, as the Bombay High Court takes its time to mull Warner’s injunction.
The company doesn’t appear to be alone in that view. In a statement sent to MBW today (March 5), ICMP said that Spotify had launched in India “despite inappropriately claiming a statutory license to use Warner/Chappell’s repertoire without its authorisation”.
ICMP Director General John Phelan said: “Music publishers worldwide work in the interest of all creators and will fight for appropriate remuneration for all licensed use of their work.
“At the heart of this problem is the inappropriate use of music and the subsequent undervaluation of songwriters – Indian and international.
“ICMP and its members express their full support of Warner/Chappell Music in its actions.”