Important Updates for Comedy Content on Spotify

3 years ago
General

We understand that Spotify intends to remove Comedy content (which does not include audiobooks) from its service in the US today as explained further below.

 

Spotify has said that it will reinstate such content, but only if applicable rights holders provide an indemnity covering claims in respect of the underlying literary works being performed.

 

Please see full details below:

 

Comedy Content

 

As you may be aware from recent news articles, a number of lawsuits have been brought against streaming services by parties claiming the infringement of copyright in underlying literary works being performed on certain comedy and spoken word content.

 

Spotify Takedowns

 

In response to the above, and as a precautionary measure, Spotify has elected to take down certain comedy and spoken word content from its service in the US (and similarly will not make new comedy/spoken word content available in the US) unless/until applicable rights holders provide Spotify with an indemnity as described below. We understand this content does not include audiobooks.

 

Maintaining/Reinstating Availability of Comedy Content

 

If your Comedy content was removed, you can request reinstatement of the content;

 

  • you are certain that you have cleared all necessary rights including all rights in the underlying literary and/or dramatic works in that Identified Comedy Content; and

 

  • you wish for that Identified Comedy Content to remain live (or be reinstated) on the Spotify service in the United States; and

 

  • you are prepared to indemnify Spotify in the form set out below,

 

Then please let us know by contacting us at toolost.com/support as soon as possible - after which we will send through instructions on executing paperwork with Spotify.

 

Please be aware that in Too Lost's view providing this indemnity in order to allow Identified Comedy Content to remain live/be reinstated on the Spotify service in the US has the potential to have serious legal and financial implications, and we strongly recommend that our users take professional legal advice prior to providing Spotify with this indemnity.