Welcome to Music Business Worldwide’s Weekly Round-up
This week, we delve into some riveting headlines shaping the music industry. From high-profile trademarks to the latest streaming statistics, join us as we break down five major stories that have made waves.
1. Lionel Richie Files to Trademark the Sound of His Voice
In a remarkable move reflective of current trends, Lionel Richie has taken steps to protect his artistic identity by filing for a trademark on the sound of his voice. The four-time Grammy winner recently submitted four applications to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), encompassing iconic phrases from his beloved songs. Notably, these include the lyrics from classics like Hello, Say You, Say Me, Easy Like Sunday Morning, and All Night Long. This development comes in the wake of Taylor Swift‘s similar efforts to safeguard her own vocal identity amidst the rising threat of AI-generated deepfakes.
2. NO FAKES: Senate Panel Backs Bill Against AI Deepfakes
In legislative news, the US Senate Judiciary Committee has recommended advancing the NO FAKES Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at creating federal protections against unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes using individuals’ likenesses. The bill was unanimously approved on Thursday and represents a significant step towards regulating AI use within the entertainment industry. However, the discussions surrounding the act weren’t without contention; concerns were raised about First Amendment implications, as voiced by Republican senators Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, and Eric Schmitt.
As the bill moves to a full Senate vote, it still faces hurdles in the House of Representatives and requires presidential approval before becoming law.
3. BMG/Concord Merger Approved by Competition Authorities
In corporate consolidation, the proposed merger between BMG and Concord has successfully navigated regulatory scrutiny, receiving approval from authorities in both the United States and Germany. The Bundeskartellamt, Germany’s competition agency, officially cleared the deal, a move celebrated by Bertelsmann. This significant merger is poised to reshape the competitive landscape of music publishing and will likely yield implications for service offerings and artist agreements moving forward.
4. The Music Industry Approaches Billion Subscriber Milestone
Statistics from Midia Research unveil an impressive rise in the global music streaming subscriber base, which has reached 921.6 million as of the end of 2025. This surge exemplifies a growing demand for music consumption through digital platforms. Remarkably, Spotify retains its lead, holding a market share of 31.4%. The report indicates that the subscriber count has grown 10.1% year-on-year—an encouraging sign for the music industry, signaling an ongoing trend towards digital engagement.
5. Michael Jackson Biopic Surpasses Box Office Records
Lastly, the much-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, has made headlines by becoming the highest-grossing music biopic in history. With a staggering $911.9 million at the global box office, it has surpassed the previous record-holder, Bohemian Rhapsody. The breakdown of this impressive figure includes $358.6 million from domestic markets and $553.3 million internationally. Notably, these earnings do not yet account for the film’s latest weekend figures, indicating an upward trajectory.
This week’s developments paint a vibrant picture of an industry in flux, marked by technological advancements, legislative changes, and shifting consumer dynamics. Stay tuned for more insightful updates in the world of music business.