Patrick Moxey’s Ultra Music Publishing Sues Sony Music Over Trademark Dispute

Patrick Moxey’s Ultra International Music Publishing (UIMP) has filed a lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment, accusing the major label of “piracy” for allegedly infringing on its intellectual property rights. The dispute centers around the use of the “Ultra” name, which both companies have laid claim to in different areas of the music industry.

Moxey, who sold a majority stake in Ultra Records to Sony in 2012, has always maintained that his publishing company, UIMP, operates separately from Ultra Records. UIMP, which handles music publishing for major artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Post Malone, continues to use the “Ultra” name in connection with its publishing operations. However, Sony Music contends that Moxey no longer has the right to use the “Ultra” name after the sale of the record label, arguing that it now owns the trademark for the “Ultra” brand in the recorded music sector.

The lawsuit claims that Sony’s actions amount to infringement and that they are wrongfully denying Moxey’s legal right to use “Ultra” for his publishing business. Moxey has argued that the two sectors—recording and publishing—are distinct, with separate trademark registrations, and that his company has always used “Ultra” independently from the record label.

The legal battle has sparked broader discussions about the boundaries of intellectual property in the music industry, particularly when it comes to overlapping brands and names that are used in different segments. Sony’s response to the lawsuit claims that Moxey’s continued use of the “Ultra” name is misleading and violates their agreement.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of music publishing and branding, especially as the industry navigates complex trademark issues that arise from mergers and acquisitions.