Limp Bizkit Can Continue Lawsuit Of IDR 3.3 Trillion Against Universal Music Group In Federal Court

Limp Bizkit (Instagram @limpbizkit)

JAKARTA - Florida's nu metal band, Limp Bizkit was allowed to continue their lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) through the United States Federal Court (US).

Meanwhile, Limp Bizkit claims that the big label has deliberately withheld their royalties of 200 million US dollars (Rp3.3 trillion).

The claim is based on the company's treatment which is said to have violated contracts, fraudulent business practices, copyright infringement, and more.

According to Variety, Judge force Anderson of the US District Court for the California Central District in his decision on March 17 ruled that Limp Bizkit vocalist Fred Durst should re-submit most of his claims at the State Court (California or New York).

Anderson also rejected the UMG motion rejecting allegations of copyright infringement from Limp Bizkit, allowing the claim to proceed in Federal Court.

Furthermore, the decision states that the copyright claim assessment will depend on Limp Bizkit's success in canceling their contract with UMG, thus regaining copyright ownership.

Previously, Judge Anderson in his verdict in January rejected Durst's first attempt to cancel the contract. However, his latest decision will reopen the debate.

As for the latest verdict documents, issues related to cancellation will require state law analysis in New York and California courts, "which involve facts and laws are different from what is needed to try copyright claims."

In addition, UMG is asked to submit an answer to copyright claims no later than April 7.

For information, Limp Bizkit in the lawsuit initially claimed the UMG had designed and implemented software and a royalty system that was deliberately designed to hide artist royalties and keep the profits for himself.

The UMG filed a motion to reject the lawsuit in November 2024, claiming that the lawsuit, particularly the alleged concealment of royalties, was fiction.