The ongoing legal dispute between Ultra Publishing and Sony Music has taken a new turn, with Ultra Publishing reinforcing its allegations of copyright infringement in an updated complaint. This latest development marks a significant escalation in the conflict that began in November 2024. The roots of this confrontation can be traced back to the complex history between the two entities. For over a decade, Ultra Publishing operated under a licensing agreement while Sony Music gradually acquired full ownership of Ultra Records. However, once Sony became the sole owner, it initiated legal action to terminate the licensing arrangement and force Ultra Publishing to change its name. Despite the jury's recent ruling in favor of Sony Music, which did not award damages, Ultra Publishing now faces a court-ordered name change within six months.

Amidst this backdrop, the copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Ultra Publishing against Sony Music and its subsidiaries, including AWAL, has gained renewed momentum. The amended complaint, though longer than the original, largely reiterates the core claims of unauthorized use of more than 100 compositions across various distribution channels. Ultra Publishing accuses Sony Music of improperly negotiating directly with its songwriters, who lacked the authority to grant licenses, rendering any agreements null and void. Notably, the revised complaint also addresses Sony Music's characterization of the suit as a retaliatory move tied to the trademark dispute. Ultra Publishing firmly denies this accusation, asserting that the case is solely about copyright infringement and not personal vendettas. Furthermore, the updated filing provides a more detailed breakdown of the allegedly infringed works, including specific dates, platforms like Spotify, and additional relevant information.

In response to these challenges, Ultra Publishing has made it clear that this lawsuit is just the beginning of a series of planned actions against Sony Music. As more instances of alleged infringement come to light, the company intends to pursue further legal avenues either through amendments or additional lawsuits. This ongoing battle underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring fair compensation for creators. It also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the music industry, promoting a culture where artists and publishers can thrive without fear of exploitation.