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Sting and The Police: Royalty Dispute Escalates into Legal Battle Over ‘Every Breath You Take’
A decades-long dispute over songwriting credits and royalties for The Police’s iconic hit, “Every Breath You Take,” has culminated in a lawsuit filed by former band members Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers against Sting. The legal action threatens to unravel the financial arrangements that have governed the band’s earnings since their breakup in 1984.
The Genesis of the Dispute: Songwriting Credits and Royalties
The core of the disagreement centers around the songwriting credits for “Every Breath You Take,” one of the most commercially successful songs in music history. While Sting (Gordon Sumner) is officially credited as the sole songwriter, Copeland and Summers contend they contributed significantly to the song’s creation and deserve a larger share of the royalties. This isn’t a new argument; tensions have simmered for years, with previous settlements totaling over $800,000 paid to Copeland and Summers, as reported by HLN.
<h2>The Legal Challenge: A Breakdown of the Claims</h2>
<p>The current lawsuit, filed in New York, alleges that Sting breached a partnership agreement by failing to adequately account for and distribute royalties generated by The Police’s catalog. Copeland and Summers claim Sting has exercised undue control over the band’s business affairs, effectively diminishing their financial stake. <a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiiwJBVV95cUxOYlNPaFlaMkpkVDl3VXJGRWJBdExoUGJodDFEQW5EVG5EYXQ4Qmpna3dNYzlrWFE2RmNLNmFaYzhEUUdqaDRaTUIxUXdhbGZweVFaWVdrTy1vTFZZb2Y5c3BJSlRRVFlvU2hjaU1SZFk0MjhfRGhOaVlCZG9oS0VHeW1oZkFuTHlXUGVNTlRGaTJkSXRkLVdCc3piV1dVTWxEQUJDVXNUaEY3RktQY0l1M2ZBcXdPM1I3MVFXd1VVWmFQYmhVT3gyVHFweGRONFExNnp4RUNDNHR1R2RQNUxoX1A4RlE4VWVLcHJKOVRQWEdfUWFqMHZ2N1Z0RkZoSHcxMk92bl9TMUNSWVE?oc=5">Newspaper</a> details how the dispute has evolved from internal disagreements to a full-blown legal confrontation.</p>
<h2>'Every Breath You Take': A Songwriting Controversy</h2>
<p>The debate over the song’s origins is particularly contentious. While Sting penned the lyrics, inspired by George Orwell’s <i>Nineteen Eighty-Four</i>, Copeland and Summers argue their instrumental contributions were integral to the song’s success. <a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi0wFBVV95cUxOSWw5UU5ldW4zbnVhOWVUQnN3eWRMTi1MUnViVjlRYVhnSWFmUktKaTNLS29CWEo1LWgwZkFFc2d3bmRWY0NROUJHRm9hSTRKel80OE5DTWV2d1c1RjdFYjlGRjl5N0pVWk9NemhLVlNnNWpSSnI4ZFhpN3B5S2RNdGRMbmlpbW1CUTNOV2czeV80UGtkdFgxTnRQMUdRLWo5ZnBObFJURkNwcHZld1NNQW0yTGE5TkhpNUdZLXhoSTNISlpCOW1lVkZQWnBfM0VHQktR?oc=5">The Morning</a> explores the question of who truly “wrote” the song, highlighting the collaborative nature of The Police’s creative process.</p>
<p>This legal battle raises broader questions about songwriting credits and the fair distribution of royalties in the music industry. How should contributions beyond lyrical content be valued? And what responsibility do band leaders have to ensure equitable compensation for all members?</p>
<p>The financial stakes are significant. “Every Breath You Take” remains a staple of radio airplay and streaming services, generating substantial revenue. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes involving established artists and their former collaborators. <a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxNbWZlU1A4bUVFZGRBYjE0TDZOaG14V3V2d2VseVJPRkwtc0VvWnpaUDluQTFIbjB6ZVFmVEE2MWdpYnZUVVk1SmhRa1FqUV9RRmwzeV9vdkU2czZTTWlsVldSS1NhTzltdUZCMVZDVG5zdWJqdkQzYXdoaF9fN1AtUnZkYmhDRTIyZ2VDQnlxVlR0QTQ3MEZBZEtrSjZMNnZ6RVBLUGl2dk0?oc=5">NOT</a> reports that both sides are firmly entrenched in their positions, suggesting a protracted legal fight.</p>
<p>Adding to the complexity, <a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMickFVX3lxTFBiMllfbEtKQXZmNDVHdW5ZRUlTWDViV210amhjdm1Nc2ZWVVBRUjVQVDhWT3lGT3BxdFQ0VUk4UUlBamszZlZpQlM5eHNKQ0VzY2Fwc0N2YTNPRmJicHVtT3JCWUpDT2NBUUFhcE9OYXFPQQ?oc=5">VRT</a> notes the diametrically opposed views of Sting and his former bandmates, making a swift resolution appear unlikely.</p>
<div style="background-color:#fffbe6; border-left:5px solid #ffc107; padding:15px; margin:20px 0;"><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Understanding the nuances of music publishing and royalty agreements is crucial for artists. Seeking legal counsel *before* entering into partnerships can prevent disputes like this one.</div>Frequently Asked Questions About the Sting and The Police Royalty Dispute
What is the primary issue in the lawsuit regarding ‘Every Breath You Take’ royalties?
The lawsuit centers around the claim that Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers were not adequately compensated for their contributions to the songwriting and overall success of “Every Breath You Take,” despite Sting being the sole credited songwriter.
How much money has Sting reportedly already paid to Copeland and Summers?
Reports indicate that Sting has previously paid Copeland and Summers over $800,000 in settlements related to royalty charges, but this has not resolved the underlying dispute.
What role did instrumental contributions play in the ‘Every Breath You Take’ songwriting process?
Copeland and Summers argue that their instrumental arrangements and performances were integral to the song’s distinctive sound and commercial appeal, justifying a larger share of the royalties.
Could this lawsuit set a precedent for other songwriting disputes?
Yes, the outcome of this case could influence how songwriting credits and royalty distributions are handled in similar situations involving collaborative musical projects.
What is Sting’s current stance on the claims made by his former bandmates?
Sting has not publicly commented extensively on the specifics of the lawsuit, but reports suggest he believes the current royalty arrangements are fair and justified.
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