Believe Denies Copyright Infringement Allegations

By Gianluca Lo Nostro and Florence Loeve

(Reuters) – French digital music company Believe has denied allegations of copyright infringement made by Universal Music Group (UMG) on Tuesday. UMG is seeking damages of at least $500 million (459 million euros) through a complaint in the United States.

UMG, the world's largest music label, claims in the complaint that Believe and its U.S. business TuneCore have profited from distributing copyrighted recordings.

> "As companies that work with artists and labels around the world, we take the respect of copyright very seriously. We strongly refute these claims…" said Believe.

UMG alleges that Believe distributed copyrighted material by altering artist names or releasing "sped-up" versions of original songs. Examples include tracks by Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga, which were reportedly distributed under names like Kendrik Laamar, Arriana Gramde, Jutin Bieber, and Llady Gaga.

The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, is supported by ABKCO Music & Records and Concord Music Group.

Believe's music catalogue is available on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Founded in 2005 by former Vivendi executive Denis Ladegaillerie and listed in Paris in 2021, Believe operates in 50 countries. It has grown its market share by acquiring music labels in Europe and the Americas, primarily generating revenue from Europe.

The company aimed to revolutionize the music distribution industry through digital promotion, intensifying competition with mainstream labels.

(1 euro = $1.0891)