Lithuanian Pop Group “Šeškės” in Legal Dispute Over Streaming Royalties and Trademark Rights
Vilnius, lithuania – A Lithuanian court recently ruled in favor of Rimvydas Rukaitis, the husband of singer Nijolė Pareigytė-Rukaitienė, in a case brought by two members of the popular pop group “Šeškės.” the dispute centers around royalties earned from streams of their music on Spotify, specifically tracks associated with their project “69 Danguje” (69 Skies).
goda Alijeva and Karina Krysko, members of “Šeškės,” filed the lawsuit seeking compensation for the streaming revenue. The case, heard in Tauragė Regional Court, alleged that Rukaitis improperly registered the Spotify account associated with the music under his name.
“I can only say that Rimvydas shouldn’t have owned the Spotify account,” Alijeva told news portal Lrytas earlier this month. “Under curious circumstances, he registered it in his name.It’s strange that it wasn’t registered to his wife, or Karina, or any of us, or even Mantas [Egmont Bžesko, the producer].” Alijeva further stated that Rukaitis will now be legally compelled to provide an accounting of the earnings and distribute the royalties owed.
This legal battle is the latest in a series of disputes surrounding the group. Earlier this summer, “Šeškės” were involved in a separate disagreement with their producer, egmontas Bžesko.
Adding to the complexity, the group recently attempted to cancel the trademark for “69 Danguje.” Though, the Lithuanian state Patent Bureau’s Appeal Chamber rejected their submission to register trademarks related to their hit songs “9 Danguje” (9 Skies) and “Velniškas Greitis” (Devil’s speed). The rights to these songs remain with Bžesko.
The ongoing legal issues highlight internal tensions within the group and raise questions about the ownership and control of their musical assets. Further developments are expected as the fallout from these disputes continues to unfold.
Keywords: Šeškės, Nijolė Pareigytė-Rukaitienė, Rimvydas Rukaitis, Spotify, royalties, 69 Danguje, egmontas Bžesko, Lithuanian music, trademark, legal dispute, music industry.
