Universal Music and Investment Platform Republic Reach Settlement in Three-Year Trademark Battle
Universal Music Group (UMG) and investment platform Republic have reached a settlement in their three-year trademark dispute. The conflict began when OpenDeal's Republic platform expanded into music NFTs in October 2021.
Republic Records white logo
The dispute originated when Republic, a financial technology firm specializing in private market investment services, launched music NFT projects featuring artists like Lil Pump and KSHMR. UMG, parent company of Republic Records, demanded the platform stop using the "REPUBLIC" name for music-related services.
After years of legal proceedings, both parties reached a settlement during an in-person conference on December 11th, 2024. The judge dismissed the case without costs and without prejudice, allowing 60 days to reopen if the settlement isn't fulfilled.
Key points about the settlement:
- Terms remain confidential
- Republic's music-investments page continues to operate under a modified web address
- The platform has switched from .co to .com domain
Meanwhile, Universal Music faces other legal challenges:
- A $200 million royalty dispute with Limp Bizkit and others
- A lawsuit against TuneCore and Believe over alleged unauthorized distribution of protected recordings
The resolution marks the end of a significant trademark dispute in the music industry, though the specific terms of the agreement remain private.