A 25-year-old Zurich-based content creator, identified as Mary, has been presented with a demand for 8,000 Swiss francs (approximately $8,900 USD) by a German law firm for using a copyrighted song in an Instagram video. The video, posted two years ago on the Instagram account of her parents’ tennis school, featured the song “Pedro” and garnered around 2,300 views. The account has approximately 800 followers and is not designated as a business account.
According to reporting from 20 Minuten, Mary was unaware that using the song could incur licensing fees. “I didn’t think anything of it,” she stated, adding that she initially believed the demand for payment was a hoax. The letter, addressed to her father, demanded payment within five days, a timeframe Mary described as “malicious.” She has since retained a Swiss lawyer and is currently ignoring the demand even as preparing to contact the German law firm.
The legal action is being pursued by IPPC Law, a Berlin-based firm, on behalf of B1 Recordings GmbH, the label distributing “Pedro” – a track credited to Jaxomy X Agatino Romero X Raffaella Carrà. B1 Recordings is partially owned by Sony Music. IPPC Law is reportedly issuing similar demands to numerous content creators for commercial use of copyrighted music.
Daniel Sebastian, managing director and lawyer at IPPC Law, refuted claims that the firm primarily targets smaller creators. He stated that the focus is on “commercial uses” – accounts that utilize music to promote business growth without obtaining the necessary licenses. Sebastian clarified that using music for commercial purposes on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is not permitted without securing rights from the copyright holders. Even though, he noted exceptions for non-profit organizations and tiny businesses that are exempt from sales tax.
Sebastian indicated a willingness to negotiate payment plans or reduce the amount owed in cases of financial hardship. The amount of the demand, he explained, is determined by factors such as the reach and commercial nature of the account. He emphasized the firm’s desire for an amicable resolution, stating, “We are always interested in a mutually agreeable solution.”
B1 Recordings, in a statement provided to 20 Minuten, asserted the importance of compensating artists for their work, stating that music “is the result of creative work and has significant economic and cultural value.” The company maintained that its goal is not to financially burden small businesses but to ensure artists receive appropriate remuneration for the use of their music.
The case of Mary is not isolated. Reports on social media indicate a wave of similar demands being issued to content creators, with German influencer Christian Wolf bringing attention to the issue. Wolf alleges that the publisher, linked to Sony Music, is issuing “absurd” demands for music used on Instagram, even music the publisher itself has made available on the platform.
