Royalties & Rights: The Ongoing Fight for Artist Compensation

This month, two high-profile disputes are keeping royalty rights in the spotlight. SoundExchange’s federal court case against SiriusXM has been dismissed, signaling a procedural roadblock in the ongoing fight for digital performance royalties. Meanwhile, Salt-N-Pepa have joined a growing chorus of legacy artists challenging Universal Music over underpaid streaming revenue. These legal battles reveal just how fractured royalty enforcement remains — and how crucial it is for artists to actively defend their rights.

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ChaseLawyers Newsletter
August 12, 2025

Hi there,

In this edition, we’re tracking two music industry standoffs that highlight the still-unsettled landscape of artist compensation.

First, a judge has tossed SoundExchange’s lawsuit against SiriusXM — not on the merits, but on jurisdictional grounds. While the organization plans to refile in state court, the delay adds yet another chapter to the streaming royalty tug-of-war between rights holders and broadcasters.

At the same time, Salt-N-Pepa are putting Universal Music on notice. The pioneering rap group has joined a broader legal fight demanding fair royalty payments for digital distribution. For creators and legacy artists alike, these cases send a clear message: rights may be written into contracts, but enforcing them takes strategy — and strength.

SoundExchange Hits Jurisdictional Roadblock in SiriusXM Royalties Fight

SoundExchange, the nonprofit that collects digital performance royalties on behalf of artists and labels, has suffered a legal setback in its ongoing dispute with SiriusXM. A federal judge dismissed the organization’s lawsuit, ruling that federal courts lack jurisdiction over the contract claims at the heart of the case. The lawsuit alleged that SiriusXM underpaid royalties from its satellite and internet radio services, but the court determined that state-level proceedings are more appropriate for the type of contractual breach SoundExchange is claiming. While SoundExchange intends to refile the lawsuit in state court, the ruling delays a high-stakes battle over how streaming-era royalties are calculated and enforced. For rights holders, this case is a stark reminder: even when claims seem clear, procedural hurdles can drag out the path to justice — especially in disputes involving digital rights and legacy contracts.

Salt-N-Pepa Join Artist Revolt Against Universal Over Streaming Payouts

Hip-hop legends Salt-N-Pepa have entered the legal fray against Universal Music Group (UMG), joining a class action lawsuit that claims the label has shortchanged artists on streaming royalties. The suit argues that UMG is using outdated or misleading contract language to avoid paying proper digital royalties, particularly for international streams. Salt-N-Pepa’s public statement called on fellow artists to “fight for our rights,” bringing renewed attention to the long-running tension between record labels and legacy acts navigating the digital shift. The case adds momentum to a broader artist-led movement to re-evaluate older deals in light of streaming's dominance. As royalty structures become more complex — and less transparent — creators are increasingly lawyering up to ensure their original contracts reflect today’s platforms and revenue models. The music may be timeless, but the legal battles are just getting started.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

SoundExchange can’t sue Sirius in federal courts, says judge in royalties dispute

A federal judge has dismissed SoundExchange’s case against SiriusXM, stating that the performance rights org filed in the wrong court. The case, centered on unpaid royalties for satellite radio streams, will likely shift to state court — continuing the years-long dispute over how artists get paid in the digital age.

Salt N Pepa say its “time to fight for our rights” as Universal legal bust up continues

Hip-hop icons Salt-N-Pepa have added their names to a class-action suit alleging Universal Music underpaid artists for streaming revenues. Their statement calls on fellow artists to “fight for our rights,” amplifying the growing frustration over outdated contract terms and royalty calculations in the streaming era.

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