Spotify and Warner Chappell end year long dispute, sign global deal

MUMBAI: Swedish music streaming service Spotify and Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the publishing firm of Warner Music, have ended their yearlong dispute over music rights in India.

The two companies said Tuesday that they have entered into a multi-territory licensing agreement, which includes India. Warner Music is one of the top three music labels in the world.

The move has also resulted in dismissal of pending litigation in the Bombay high court, wherein WCM had filed a petition seeking an injunction against Spotify for including in its selection in India.


A WCM spokesperson said that the company is happy with the outcome and the new deal “appropriately values its songwriters’ music” and expands the company’s licensed partnership with Spotify to include India.

A Spotify spokesperson added that the streaming company was “pleased” with the outcome. “In less than a year, millions of Indian listeners have joined Spotify, listening to their favorite artists and songwriters from across the globe,” the spokesperson said. “…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.”

Warner music had filed a case in the court just ahead of the service’s launch in India last year. The company was advised and represented by Priyanka Khimani of Anand & Anand & Khimani.

Spotify competes with Times Internet-owned Gaana.