Peloton Sued for $150 Million for Using Drake, Lady Gaga Music Without License

A group of publishers including Downtown Music Publishing, Pulse Music Publishing, ole, peermusic, Ultra Music, Big Deal Music, Reservoir, Round Hill, TRO Essex Music Group and The Royalty Network filed a lawsuit against Peloton for infringement of more than a thousand musical works, according to a statement from the National Music Publishers Association. The plaintiffs are seeking damages of over $150 million.

According to the announcement, the fitness technology company has procured licenses from some publishers but it “has failed to do so with a significant number” of others. Peloton has released “thousands” of music-driven videos that include unlicensed music by artists Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Wiz Khalifa, Thomas Rhett, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Florida Georgia Line, Drake, Gwen Stefani and others, the statement says.

Related stories

NMPA Issues Fiery, Point-by-Point Response to Spotify's Royalty Appeal

Spotify Responds to Royalty-Appeal Criticism: 'We're Not Suing Songwriters'

Alicia Keys Wins Icon Award, DOJ Antitrust Boss Calms Nerves at National Music Publishers' Meeting

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said, “Music is a core part of the Peloton business model and is responsible for much of the brand’s swift success. Thousands of exclusive videos and playlists are a major reason hundreds of thousands of people have purchased Peloton products. Unfortunately, instead of recognizing the integral role of songwriters to its company, Peloton has built its business by using their work without their permission or fair compensation for years.”

A rep for Peloton told Variety on Tuesday, “We just received the complaint this morning, and we are evaluating it. Peloton has great respect for songwriters and artists. In fact, we have partnered with each of the major music publishers, record labels and performing rights organizations, and many leading independents. We have also invested heavily to build a best-in-breed reporting and licensing system to support our partners and provide our members with a world-class fitness experience.”

 

 

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.