Overview

• Salt-N-Pepa filed a federal lawsuit in New York on May 19, 2025, seeking to reclaim ownership of their master recordings under Section 203 of the U.S. Copyright Act.
• The lawsuit alleges UMG refused to honor termination notices served in 2022 and retaliated by removing the duo’s music from major streaming services in the U.S.
• The duo is demanding over $1 million in damages, declaratory relief, and a permanent injunction to prevent UMG from exploiting their recordings without permission.
• UMG argues the recordings are 'works made for hire' and claims Cheryl James and Sandra Denton were not named parties to the original contracts, a claim the duo disputes.
• The legal battle coincides with Salt-N-Pepa’s upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2025, highlighting their enduring cultural impact.