Patrick Moxey's Ultra Music Publishing must undergo a name change within six months following a federal judge's ruling that found the company in breach of Sony Music's 'Ultra' trademark.

The ruling comes after Moxey, who founded Ultra Records in 1995 and Ultra Music Publishing in 2004, sold his remaining stake in Ultra Records to Sony Music in 2021. Sony Music filed a lawsuit in 2022, claiming Moxey no longer had rights to the Ultra trademark after the sale.

Key points from the ruling:

• The jury determined the Ultra trademark was distinctive
• Ultra Music Publishing's continued use of the name was found misleading
• The usage was deemed "likely to dilute [Ultra Records'] 'Ultra' trademark"
• No damages were awarded to Sony as the jury found no customer confusion

The legal battle continues beyond the trademark case. In November, Moxey's companies (Ultra International Music Publishing and Ultra Music Publishing Europe) filed a separate lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment and its subsidiaries, including Ultra Records. This lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, claiming Sony used Ultra Publishing's compositions without proper licensing.

Sony has responded by requesting the judge dismiss the lawsuit, characterizing it as retaliation for the trademark dispute.

This ruling highlights the importance of trademark rights in the music industry, particularly when companies undergo ownership changes or mergers. The case demonstrates how intellectual property rights can be affected by business transactions and the potential complications that can arise from trademark licensing agreements.

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