Shabba Ranks files lawsuit seeking return of music publishing catalog

The short version

• Dancehall artist Shabba Ranks sued the publishing division of Greensleeves Records to reclaim rights to his hit songs.[Billboard]
• The legal action invokes U.S. copyright termination rules following the publisher's rejection of a 2023 termination request.[Billboard]
• Greensleeves previously argued the tracks were works made for hire under a 1989 contract, an interpretation the lawsuit disputes.[Billboard]
• Neither side immediately commented on the filing, and the dispute is now pending before the court.[Billboard]

Key facts

• Shabba Ranks filed suit on September 11 against the publishing arm of Greensleeves Records.[Billboard]
• The lawsuit attempts to reclaim rights to tracks including 'Slow and Sexy', 'Housecall', 'Mr. Loverman', and 'Let’s Get It On'.[Billboard]
• The complaint relies on provisions under U.S. copyright law allowing creators to terminate past copyright transfers.[Billboard]
• Greensleeves asserted that a 1989 deal designated the compositions as works made for hire, which are excluded from termination.[Billboard]
• Attorneys for Shabba argue he was never an employee and that songs cannot be turned into works made for hire solely by contract.[Billboard]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Jamaican Dancehall Singer Shabba Ranks Sues to Claw Back Publishing CatalogBillboard