Limp Bizkit, together with frontman Fred Durst, issued proceedings in a California Federal Court against Universal Music Group (“UMG”) in October 2024 on the basis of alleged copyright infringement, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent concealment, and promissory fraud amongst various other allegations. The claim is reportedly valued at nearly $200 million arising from UMG’s alleged non-payment of royalties over a protracted period.
UMG had sought to have the claim thrown out, but its application was denied this week by the US District Court for the Central District of California. Judge Percy Anderson ruled on Monday that the claim could continue, however concluded that 14 of the allegations brought by the band/Durst were not suitable to be heard in the Federal Court and were a matter for the state courts instead. Only the copyright infringement element of the claim is permitted to continue in the Federal Court.
Per the Judge’s decision, UMG is now ordered to respond to the copyright claims asserted in the proceedings by 7 April 2025. It remains to be seen whether the band and Durst will be successful in their copyright claim, and if they will elect to pursue their additional claims in the state courts as instructed.
If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniels Law on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com.
