Check out the story below from:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/.../jxo5.html

MJ wants to own his Motown Masters (Where does his other brothers get their piece of the pie though???)

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Tuesday May 13, 09:38 AM


Jackson sues Universal Music

Michael Jackson is suing Universal Music Group, claiming the world's largest record company owes him royalties for the re-release of songs he made in the 1970s.

The lawsuit accuses Universal Music Group of violating a 1980 agreement to pay Jackson royalties from recordings he made with the Jackson Five and as a solo artist from 1969 to 1976 for Motown Records, which was acquired by Universal Music Group.


Universal Music Group spokesman Bob Bernstein has declined to comment.

According to the lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Jackson reached a settlement with Motown Records in 1980 that forfeited his right to royalties for songs released before that time.

But Motown was to pay Jackson royalties for previously unreleased material and songs re-released on best-of compilations, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks an accounting of royalties owed and unspecified damages.

Jackson also wants the 1980 settlement voided and seeks ownership of his Motown master recordings.

Where is Mr. Gordy in all of this or is it out of his hands?

Back in the late 80's when Motown was up for sale, MJ was supposedly interested in purchasing Motown.It would have been well within his budget back then, but for some reason declined to follow up on the offer.

I wonder if he saw this day coming.


[This message was edited Tue May 13 9:17:32 PDT 2003 by Marrk]

cranshaw62 said:

Motown was Sold Back in 88 for 60 Million&Berry Gordy only has 20% of the Motown Publishing&He is expected To Sell the Rest in a Year or two.MJ is not following Prince because MJ already Owns His SOny Masters.if anything Prince needed to take a Cue from MJ.now if MJ gets paid off Universal he will be Pulling off like a Gangster.

Hi Mistermaxxx,

How's it going?

I thought Mr. Gordy sold only 50% of Jobete (Motowns Publishing Company) I wasn't sure if BG had any more ownership of the masters since Polygram bought him out. I'll look around online a little and check it out.

cranshaw62 said:

what's up? Berry only has 20% left&the other goes next Year or the year after.that is the Publishing.every few Years He Sells a Bit Here&there.but He is almost finshed selling off the last of the publishing.Sad for Me.Motown was a Icon of My Youth&also so much else.

mistermaxxx said:

I...

I...

I never want to see that phrase at this site again! AUGH!

otan said:

MJ Owns His Masters&has been able to Battle in the Boardroom&also still Make His Albums on Major Labels.