The Week In Music Publishing: Ray Charles, etc

Ray Charles' children are in a legal battle with the charitable foundation bearing their father's name. The case revolves around claims to royalties to some of Charles' biggest hits – and whether they were 'works for hire', which impacts on any termination rights.

• Music publishers have been awarded $6.6 million in a copyright suit against lyrics website LiveUniverse and its founder Brad Greenspan.

• The Radio Music Licensing Committee (RMLC) has begun antitrust proceedings against US Performing Rights Organization SESAC. RMLC feels SESAC is imposing 'increasingly exorbitant rates' on the radio industry.
• Warner Music is forecasting revenues in Q4 to be slightly down to $130MM -$134MM from Q3 revenues of $141MM.
• Revenue from abroad has doubled since 2002 for PRS for Music writers – the Performing Rights Organization of the United Kingdom.
• ole has signed hit songwriter Brett Jones and acquired his catalogs, which includes 3 #1 Billboard Hot Country songs.
• Music publisher Kobalt is preparing to invest $100MM in order to 'respond to existing and new clients' needs for bigger advances, or part or whole acquisitions'.
• The Harry Fox Agency has announced the promotion of Michael S. Simon to CEO. Simon was the SVP of Business Affairs, and replaces Gary L. Churgin.
• Universal has appointed Kent Klavens as SVP for Business and Legal Affairs. His key roles include contract negotiations and copyright protection in the US.
• BMI has two new appointments to its board: Steve Newberry and the re-appointment of Amador Bustos.

 Courtesy of Songtrust – One-stop royalty collection for songwriters, bands and producers.