Rolling Stones pass Verve royalties to Richard Ashcroft

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones have ended one of the most acrimonious copyright disputes in British pop by granting Richard Ashcroft all future royalties from his 1997 song Bitter Sweet Symphony, performed by the Verve.

Bitter Sweet Symphony reached No 2 in the UK and had a distinctive string motif. Those four seconds of strings were sampled from an orchestral recording of the Rolling Stones song The Last Time, but the rights were not fully cleared before the song was released.

Publishing company ABKCO, owned by Rolling Stones manager Allen Klein, argued that the Verve had used a larger portion of the sample than was agreed, and, following a lawsuit that was settled out of court, forced Ashcroft to relinquish the song’s royalties and create a new song writing credit: Jagger/Richards/Ashcroft.

But following an appeal to Jagger and Richards from Ashcroft’s management company, the pair “immediately, unhesitatingly and unconditionally agreed” to hand over the royalties.

Suffering an intellectual property and technology disputes can have serious implications on your business.  Our business solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in our civil and commercial litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

Click here to find out more about Civil Litigation
Click here to find out more about Dispute Resolution
Click here to find out more about Commercial Litigation
Click here to find out more about Intellectual Property Solicitors

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Shalish Mehta

Shalish acts on behalf of both private individuals and commercial clients, bringing or defending claims in the High Court or the County Court. Shalish is fluent in Gujarati and will happily represent those for whom Gujariti is the first language, in English. Shalish is also able to advise and assist with negotiations to resolve disputes, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Shalish joined the firm 10 years ago, very shortly after he qualified as a solicitor. Shalish is a keen sportsman, regularly playing cricket and five-a-side football. He is also a self-confessed foodie, taking great pleasure in sampling different cuisines from around the world. Currently, Shalish is pursuing his interest in languages, attending evening Spanish lessons at a local college.

Latest posts by Shalish Mehta (see all)

• Ruler of Dubai applies to Supreme Court for secrecy over custody battle - 19th March 2020
• Drivers owe a duty of care to cyclists - 19th March 2020
• Debenhams plans to cuts debts after legal battle with Mike Ashley - 19th March 2020
• Are you a cyclist that has been involved in a hit and run? - 5th March 2020
• Super League side Hull warn of legal action over Israel Folau signing - 20th February 2020