Overview

• The lawsuit filed in May alleges UMG refused to honor Section 203 termination notices, withholding the duo’s original two-inch master tapes despite multiple formal requests.
• Salt-N-Pepa contend UMG pulled their catalog from U.S. streaming services, erasing access to hits like “Push It” and cutting off royalties.
• They claim these actions amount to coercive tactics designed to force them to abandon their bid to reclaim ownership of their masters.
• Their attorney argues UMG’s assertion of a works-made-for-hire defense misreads the Copyright Act’s termination rights under Section 203.
• As the court weighs UMG’s motion to dismiss and proposal for mediation, Salt-N-Pepa are pressing for injunctive relief, damages and restoration of their music ahead of their November Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.