Challenging Labels' Classification of Digital Downloads
REO Speedwagon, Boz Scaggs Sue Sony Music (Exclusive)
By Eriq Gardner
By Eriq Gardner
Sept. 24, 2012
From The Hollywood Reporter
Sony Music has been hit with more litigation over the way artists are compensated whenever consumers buy songs on iTunes and other digital outlets. Late last week, separate lawsuits were filed in New York federal court by REO Speedwagon and William "Boz" Scaggs. Both plaintiffs say that Sony has breached recording contracts by counting digital downloads as "sales" rather than "leases" or "licenses." As a result of this accounting treatment, the artists allege they haven't been paid appropriately. The royalty rate on a sale is around 15 percent compared to a "license/lease" which is 50 percent.
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http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/reo-speedwagon-boz-scaggs-sony-music-373415
From The Hollywood Reporter
Sony Music has been hit with more litigation over the way artists are compensated whenever consumers buy songs on iTunes and other digital outlets. Late last week, separate lawsuits were filed in New York federal court by REO Speedwagon and William "Boz" Scaggs. Both plaintiffs say that Sony has breached recording contracts by counting digital downloads as "sales" rather than "leases" or "licenses." As a result of this accounting treatment, the artists allege they haven't been paid appropriately. The royalty rate on a sale is around 15 percent compared to a "license/lease" which is 50 percent.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/reo-speedwagon-boz-scaggs-sony-music-373415