X accuses music publishers of collusion to squeeze licensing deals
Elon Musk’s X Corp filed a Sherman Act antitrust suit in the Northern District of Texas against the National Music Publishers Association and roughly 18 publishers, alleging a coordinated takedown-notice campaign to pressure X into industrywide music licenses at supracompetitive rates. The complaint cites hundreds of thousands of DMCA takedowns and tens of thousands of user suspensions as evidence of the scheme, while arguing it deprives X of competitive licensing. Publishers say licensing is standard industry practice and note similar deals with other platforms; X seeks an injunction, treble damages, and legal fees. The case follows ongoing copyright matters and earlier talks of settlements with rights-holders and other platforms.
