Merlin Settles With Sirius, Gets $1.6M For All Indies

Global independent rights agency Merlin has settled of a long-running class action copyright infringement lawsuit with Sirius Satellite Radio for $1.6 million. Merlin fought for the settlement with Sirius over their Stiletto and similar recording devices, after claims were settled with the four major record labels between 2007 and 2008. 

The court approved agreement means that Merlin members and all other independent record labels that had sound recordings transmitted by Sirius between November 1st, 2005 and 26 August, 2011 have the opportunity to participate in the settlement.

The deal follows a similar arrangement announced in April 2011 relating to Merlin’s role in a Class Settlement with XM Satellite Radio over XM’s Pioneer Inno recordable radio receiver and other similar recording devices.