Sony Music Entertainment (NYSE: SONY) has agreed to drop its lawsuit against the investors and producers of the 2022 biographical film Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. The case, which was filed in February 2024, accused Anthem Films of using 24 of Whitney Houston’s iconic tracks in the film without proper licensing or payment of agreed-upon fees.
The settlement comes after both parties reached a resolution, with Sony Music officially notifying a California federal court that it would dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be refiled. The terms of the settlement are confidential, and the final legal steps are expected to be concluded soon.
The dispute initially arose when Sony Music, which now owns Arista Records—the label Houston was signed to in 1983—claimed that Anthem Films failed to pay for the rights to include Houston’s songs in the film’s soundtrack. Tracks such as “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “How Will I Know,” and “I Will Always Love You” were featured prominently in the movie, which went on to gross nearly $60 million worldwide.
Sony Music’s lawsuit highlighted that the company had licensed the music to Anthem Films for the production of both the film and its accompanying soundtrack. However, according to Sony, Anthem Films had failed to remit the agreed licensing fees, despite multiple communications promising payment after Anthem received funds from the state of Massachusetts.
Sony Music’s legal team also alleged that Anthem Films declined to sign a repayment agreement, citing contractual obligations with other entities involved in the production. As a result, the lawsuit demanded at least $3.6 million in damages and an injunction to stop the alleged infringement.
The case was filed under the name Sony Music Entertainment v. Anthem Films LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:24-cv-01250). Attorneys representing Sony Music included David Steinberg and Yakub Hazzard from Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, while Anthem Films was represented by Ashley Yeargan from Russ August & Kabat and Lincoln Bandlow.
While both parties have now reached a settlement, the details remain under wraps. Neither Sony Music nor Anthem Films has commented publicly on the terms of the resolution, though both parties have expressed a desire to put the matter behind them. The settlement marks the conclusion of a legal battle that could have had broader implications for the licensing of music in film and media.
Whitney Houston, who tragically passed away in 2012, remains one of the most influential voices in music history, with a legacy that continues to resonate in pop culture. Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody celebrated her life and music, providing fans with an in-depth look at the life of the legendary singer. The film’s success at the box office further underscored Houston’s lasting impact on the music industry.
The lawsuit’s dismissal marks the end of a legal saga that began earlier this year when Sony Music accused Anthem Films of breaching the terms of a licensing agreement. The biopic, which was released in December 2022, became an instant hit, drawing audiences worldwide to celebrate Houston’s incredible career. Yet, with this settlement, the legal disputes related to the film appear to be coming to a close.
Despite the swift resolution, the case brought attention to the complex and often contentious nature of music licensing agreements in the film industry. As more artists and their estates seek control over the use of their music in biopics and other media, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of clear and enforceable contracts.
For now, fans of Whitney Houston can continue to enjoy the film and its accompanying soundtrack, knowing that the legal issues surrounding the movie have been resolved.
Read more:
Major Potato Processors Hit With Price-Fixing Lawsuit In The U.S.
Alex Jones’ Company Challenges Infowars Sale To The Onion In Bankruptcy Court
California’s State Bar Endorses Expungement Policy For Attorney Discipline Records