YouTube video blogger Michelle Phan is facing legal action for using unlicensed music in her online videos.
Reuters reported that the 27-year-old entrepreneur is being sued by Ultra Records LLC and Ultra International Music Publishing LLC for "copyright infringement" in her videos of make-up tutorials and fashion advice. Ultra is claiming Phan did not ask permission to use music from the company's artists, which included Deadmau5, Kaskade, and Calvin Harris.
"[Phan] has been featured in a high-profile and multi-platform advertising campaign for YouTube, which features some of YouTube's most popular personalities," the label stated, according to BBC News. "[Her videos] includes nearly 50 examples of blatant copyright infringement, plaintiffs' analysis is still preliminary, and the full extent of [Ms] Phan's infringement has not yet been determined".
Ultra reportedly contacted Phan and informed her of the copyright infringement, however she continued to "willfully infringe in blatant disregard of Plaintiff's rights of ownership." The lawsuit is based on music found in 317 of Phan's videos and the company is asking for $150,000 for each proven copyright infringement.
The company is also seeking an injunction to stop Phan's use of the music.
However, Phan's lawyers said the lawsuit "lacks any merit" and that the former make-up artist was given permission to use the music and the company agreed to allow Phan to promote their music and "showcased [them] to an international audience."
"Michelle's intention has always been to promote other artists, creating a platform for their work to be showcased to an international audience," a spokesperson for Phan said. "Kaskade, whose music has been featured in Michelle's videos, has publicly defended Michelle against Ultra's claims and acknowledges the success he's gained from her support."
Phan's lawyer said their client plans to file her own lawsuit.
