National Music Publisher’s Assn. walks away from TikTok, likely forever [Full text of NMPA letter to members]

TikTok’s music troubles took a bad turn Wednesday when the National Music Publisher’s Association (NMPA) sent a letter to members stating that it was not renewing its licensing deal with the social platform.

The NMPA had signed a multi-year agreement in 2020 that ended a lengthy standoff with threats of legal action against TikTok for copyright infringement.

“Recently, the press has highlighted concerns around TikTok’s licensing practices, concerns that NMPA has heard directly from many of our members,” reads this week’s letter. “At this time, we do not anticipate that there will be an option to renew or extend the current NMPA licenses or participate in a new license with TikTok through NMPA.”

While the NMPA represents most US publishers, including WMG, Sony, and UMG, who ordered all of their music taken off TikTok, it is unclear how many signed up to be part of the trade group’s license rather than directly or via a distributor.

Whatever the number, the NMPA is telling them they can go direct if they want to continue dealing with TikTok, or if not, they can “discuss enforcement options.”

WMG signed a new deal with TikTok last year, and so far Sony has not followed UMG’s lead in ordering takedowns.

Full text of the NMPA TikTok letter

If you are receiving this Member Alert, you are currently participating in a license with TikTok through NMPA’s 2022 model license opt-in.

The NMPA is notifying all participants that these two-year licenses are set to expire on April 30, 2024.

Recently, the press has highlighted concerns around TikTok’s licensing practices, concerns that NMPA has heard directly from many of our members.

At this time, we do not anticipate that there will be an option to renew or extend the current NMPA licenses or participate in a new license with TikTok through NMPA.

NMPA members should make their own business determination whether to engage directly with TikTok to negotiate a license beyond April 30, 2024.

It is important that all NMPA members understand that without a license in place, TikTok should not be using your musical works on its platform.

Starting May 1, 2024, any members who are not licensed with TikTok and would like to discuss enforcement options can contact attorneys at NMPA.

If circumstances change prior to the expiration of the current TikTok licenses, NMPA will promptly notify members.

We are here to answer your questions.

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.