TikTok May Lose Rights To Even More Music, After Already Losing UMG’s Roster

On February 1, Universal Music Group took its entire roster of artists’ catalogs off TikTok.

In an open letter, UMG stated that “TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than market value, and not reflective of their exponential growth” during discussions. In its own open letter, the service rebutted UMG’s “false narrative and rhetoric.” It was an unpleasant affair, but TikTok appears to be dealing with another issue.

On Wednesday, March 6, Billboard exclusively reported that the National Music Publishers’ Association’s (NMPA) license with TikTok is set to expire on April 30, and “do[es] 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.”

Billboard received the complete letter given to NMPA members, which is included below.

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

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.”