Jackson sues Universal Music Group over royalties

Jet, June 2, 2003

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has sued Universal Music Group, claiming the world's largest record company owes him royalties for the re-release of songs he made in the 1970s.

The lawsuit accuses Universal Music Group of violating a 1980 agreement to pay Jackson royalties from recordings he made from 1969 to 1976 with the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist for Motown Records, which was acquired by Universal Music Group.

Universal Music Group spokesman Bob Bernstein declined comment at JET press time.

According to the lawsuit that was recently filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Jackson reached a settlement with Motown Records in 1980 that forfeited his right to royalties for songs released before that time. But Motown was to pay Jackson royalties for previously unreleased material and songs re-released on the best of compilations, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks an accounting of royalties owed and unspecified damages. Jackson also wants the 1980 settlement voided and seeks ownership of his Motown master recordings.