AIM

TikTok Merlin licensing dispute: Comment from AIM's Gee Davy

"Merlin's collective approach ensures independent music achieves the high value it deserves."

London, 3rd October 2024

A statement from the Association of Independent Music (AIM) on the recent news that TikTok has walked away from negotiations with independent music licensing organisation Merlin (citing concerns about streaming fraud and quality of content).
AIM’s Interim CEO Gee Davy has commented: “The independent music community have engaged enthusiastically and respectfully with TikTok, and TikTok should in turn respect labels’ choice to licence through Merlin. Merlin’s collective approach ensures independent music achieves the high value it deserves. This is vital for maintaining an open market with strong consumer choice and supports diverse emerging artists in breaking through. Online fraud is an issue across the whole industry but our members tell us that Merlin is a leader in tackling this. Fraud is best combatted by the industry engaging and working collaboratively, as Merlin have been doing effectively with platform partners.“
AIM

AIM is the not-for-profit trade body exclusively representing the UK’s independent music sector. Our members range from the largest, most respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music.

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