In a significant legal setback, Musixmatch suffered a major defeat on September 3, 2025, when Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley denied the company’s motion to dismiss most of an antitrust lawsuit filed by rival lyrics provider LyricFind. The ruling allows the core allegations challenging Musixmatch’s exclusive licensing agreement with Warner Chappell Music to proceed to the discovery phase, where both parties must now exchange evidence and prepare for potential trial.
LyricFind initially brought the lawsuit in March 2025, claiming Musixmatch’s exclusive deal with Warner Chappell—which controls approximately 30% of all music streams and 60% of the top 100 songs—effectively blocks competitors from accessing a substantial portion of the lyrics market. According to court documents, LyricFind alleges that after a failed acquisition attempt, Musixmatch resorted to “bullying” tactics designed to squeeze LyricFind out of business.
Exclusive deal locks up 30% of music streams, creating insurmountable barriers after failed takeover attempt.
Judge Corley found that LyricFind plausibly alleged the kind of injury antitrust laws are designed to prevent, writing that the exclusive agreement potentially harms not only direct competitors but also music streaming services seeking lyrics licensing options. The court established jurisdiction in California based on the defendants’ business activities and the impact on U.S.-based streaming platforms.
The case highlights growing concerns about market concentration in digital music publishing, where exclusive arrangements may limit consumer choice and innovation. The dispute comes at a time when many musicians are seeking to establish diverse income streams beyond traditional royalties to maximize their earnings in the evolving industry. This dispute could reshape how lyrics licensing practices function across the entire music industry, as major publishers have traditionally licensed lyrics on a non-exclusive basis. Many artists now depend on platform-specific features to increase visibility and engage with fans across multiple streaming services. Warner Chappell’s catalog represents a significant share of popular music, and consolidating licensing control in one provider potentially creates barriers for others offering extensive lyrics services. Musixmatch has consistently maintained the lawsuit is meritless and frivolous, arguing that LyricFind is merely a disappointed competitor seeking judicial intervention.
While some peripheral complaints were dismissed, the survival of the primary antitrust claims represents a substantial victory for LyricFind. The company has expressed confidence in its ability to prove Musixmatch’s alleged anticompetitive scheme as litigation progresses.
For Musixmatch and its investor TPG, who were also named in the lawsuit, the ruling means they must now defend their business practices under antitrust scrutiny, potentially facing significant legal and financial consequences if the court ultimately finds their exclusive arrangement violates competition laws.
