Universal Will Pay Out $11.5 Million Over Classification of Digital Downloads

Universal Music Group is finally settling a class action lawsuit over the way digital singles are classified. This classification has become an ongoing debate. UMG was paying artists based on traditional sale rates, but artists argue that the downloads should be classified as licences.

This particular lawsuit was brought about by the estate of Rick James, Chuck D of Public Enemy, and others against UMG Recording and Capitol Records.

The terms of the lawsuit still have to be approved by the court, but this is the agreement so far:
UMG will pay up to $11.5 million to pay class members for past digital downloads, they’ll cover attorney fees and costs, and going forward they’ll increase class members’ download royalties by 10 percent.

The details and information on how to submit a claim will be available online. There’s nothing on the website yet, as UMG didn’t bother putting any information up before sending out the link in a press release.

Source: Digital Music News