PRS for Music Files Legal Claim Against Gaming Distribution Service Steam

UK collective management organization PRS for Music has commenced legal proceedings against Valve Corporation, the US parent company of digital gaming store Steam.

The issue:

• PRS claims that, since its launch in 2003, Valve has never obtained a license for its use of the rights managed by the collection society on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers.

• PRS states that it has sought to license them for “many years,” but without “appropriate engagement from Valve Corporation,” it issued legal proceedings on March 4.

The fine print:

• As Music Business Worldwide explains, game developers and publishers typically obtain sync licenses to embed music in their titles.

• In the UK, however, those licenses don’t cover the making available of that music when games are later distributed via download or streaming platforms.

• That right sits with PRS, not individual music publishers, meaning Valve must secure its own license as the platform distributing games that feature PRS members’ music.

The platform:

• As per Music Business Worldwide, Steam attracts around 75% of the PC gaming market, with 147 million monthly users.

• Titles it sells include Grand Theft Auto and EA SPORTS FC.

• Valve is yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit.

What they said:

• Dan Gopal, Chief Commercial Officer, PRS for Music: “Our members create music that enhances experiences and PRS exists to protect the value of their work with integrity, transparency, and fairness. Legal proceedings are not a step we take lightly, but when a business’s actions undermine those principles, we have a duty to act. Great video games rely on great soundtracks, and the songwriters and creators behind them deserve to have their contribution recognised and fairly valued.”