UMG targets US companies selling mixtapes for inmates

UMG targets US companies selling mixtapes for inmates

Universal Music Group has filed a lawsuit in the California federal court against a number of companies that advertise, promote market and sell “care packages” to be sent to inmates who are incarcerated in correctional facilities by family members and friends. The suit was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter includes both the master and publishing arms of the company as plaintiffs.

These “care packages” include mixtapes containing masters and songs owned my Universal Music with artists such as James Brown, Eminem, the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. 

The suit states that these companies are fully aware that their conduct is unlawful, but have wilfully chosen this path to maximise their profits.  

Looking at one of the websites of the named defendants - accesscatalog.com - it is difficult to get an idea of the pricing of the “care packages” on offer, but it is clearly a well-organised commercial offering that enables family members to send something on a quarterly or monthly basis.

Whilst this is potentially an attention-grabbing headline along the lines of “evil record label wants to take music away from prisoners”, the issue is actually quite concrete.

Since the US is the country with most prisoners than any other country in the world - 1.5 million as of the 31st of December 2013 - providing these “care packages” is potentially a huge business, so UMG may well have a very good case here. 

 

 (Andrea Leonelli)