X Sues Music Publishers over "Weaponized" DMCA Takedown Conspiracy
4 months ago
- #antitrust
- #copyright
- #DMCA
- X Corp. escalates legal battle with music industry from copyright lawsuit to antitrust war.
- Music publishers accused X of mass copyright infringement in 2023; settlement talks failed.
- X countersues NMPA and major publishers (Sony, Universal, Warner Chappell) under Sherman Antitrust Act.
- Alleges NMPA used DMCA takedown notices as an 'extortionate campaign' for higher licensing fees.
- Claims NMPA and members colluded to avoid individual deals, pushing for supracompetitive pricing.
- NMPA threatened 'massive program' of DMCA notices in 2021 if X didn't agree to partnership.
- Over 200,000 posts targeted in first year; 50,000+ users suspended due to the campaign.
- X argues DMCA was weaponized to harm business by targeting popular users, not piracy.
- Alleges NMPA hypocrisy: executives reposted fan-made content while demanding its removal.
- Major publishers (Universal, Sony, Warner) later joined alleged conspiracy after failed licensing deals.
- X seeks damages, permanent injunction against anticompetitive conduct in high-stakes case.