On November 18, 2024, Sony Music Entertainment formally informed a California federal court of its decision to drop the lawsuit against the makers and investors of the 2022 film Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. The company alleged that the defendants used 24 of Whitney Houston’s iconic songs in the biopic without fulfilling licensing agreements.
Background of the Case
Whitney Houston, who signed with Arista Records in 1983, rose to global fame with hits like I Wanna Dance With Somebody, How Will I Know, and I Will Always Love You. Arista Records, now under Sony Music Entertainment, owns the rights to Houston’s music catalog.
Sony Music filed the lawsuit in February 2024, accusing Anthem Films, the producer of the biopic, of failing to honor a licensing agreement made in 2022 for the use of Houston’s music in the film and its soundtrack. The movie, a tribute to Houston’s legacy, grossed nearly $60 million worldwide after its release.
According to the complaint, Sony Music alleged that Anthem Films had agreed to licensing terms but defaulted on payments. Anthem purportedly deferred payment until it could receive money owed to it by the state of Massachusetts. Later, the producer reportedly refused to sign a repayment agreement, citing conflicting obligations in contracts with other defendants.
The Lawsuit’s Allegations and Demands
Sony Music’s lawsuit sought:
- Damages: At least $3.6 million in unpaid licensing fees.
- Court Injunction: A request to bar Anthem Films and others from further using Houston’s songs without proper authorization.
The defendants did not respond to the claims in court, leaving Sony’s allegations uncontested throughout the case’s duration.
Settlement and Dismissal
In October 2024, both parties informed the court that they had reached a settlement agreement but required additional time to finalize the details. On November 18, Sony Music officially filed to dismiss the case with prejudice, signifying that the matter has been resolved and cannot be brought back to court in the future.
The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, and attorneys for both sides have not provided additional comments.
Legal Representation
- For Sony Music: David Steinberg and Yakub Hazzard from Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp.
- For the Defendants: Ashley Yeargan from Russ August & Kabat and Lincoln Bandlow.
Impact and Industry Implications
The resolution of this case highlights the ongoing complexities of music licensing in biographical films, particularly when dealing with the estates of deceased artists. Whitney Houston’s music remains a cultural and commercial asset, and disputes over its use underscore the significant financial stakes involved in preserving her legacy.
While the settlement closes the legal chapter, it serves as a reminder for filmmakers and producers to ensure strict adherence to licensing agreements when utilizing copyrighted music in their works.
