Spotify and Warner Chappell reportedly sign global licensing deal to end legal battle in India

tech2 News StaffJan 20, 2020 11:27:06 IST

The almost year-long legal battle between Spotify and Warner Chappell has reportedly ended in India. Both companies have come to an agreement to sign a global licensing deal.

A report from TechCrunch stated that the announcement was made today (14 January). Music from several popular artists and bands including Katy Perry, Beyonce, Madonna, Rihanna, and Led Zeppelin, etc., were blocked in India. This came after Warner Chappell went to the Bombay High Court to file an injunction against Spotify in India from streaming their music. However, this deal excludes all the songs and artists signed with Warner Music including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, etc., which are available on Spotify India.

Representative Image.

A Warner Chappell spokesperson told us in a statement, “We’re happy with this outcome. This new deal appropriately values our songwriters’ music and expands our licensed partnership with Spotify to include India.”

A Spotify spokesperson said, “In less than a year, millions of Indian listeners have joined Spotify, listening to their favourite artists and songwriters from across the globe. We’re pleased with this agreement, and together with Warner Chappell Music, we look forward to helping songwriters and artists connect with more fans, and for more fans to enjoy and be inspired by their music.”

Spotify was officially launched in India in February in a free and premium model. The Premium subscription had a three-month trial period and went for Rs 119 per month after that. For Students, the Premium plan is available for only Rs 59 per month. Later, a Family Premium subscription was also launched in India that allows up to six members of your family to use a single plan at Rs 179 per month.