Legal Dispute Over Royalties: Dionne Warwick vs. Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation

Dionne Warwick is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation, a rights management firm that has represented her since 2002. The lawsuit, filed on December 15, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges breach of contract and unjust enrichment. The firm claims Warwick is attempting to terminate a longstanding agreement that entitles them to a 50% share of her royalties, which they argue could amount to “hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.”

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The relationship between Warwick and Artists Rights began after her lawsuit against Atlantic Records regarding unpaid royalties for her classic hits, including “Walk on By.” Under their agreement, Artists Rights has managed Warwick's royalty collections, including those from her 1964 recording used in Doja Cat’s 2023 hit “Paint the Town Red.” The firm asserts that it has significantly increased Warwick's royalty income, reportedly generating over $2.5 million in revenue, including an average of $350,000 annually over the past five years.

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Artists Rights claims that Warwick has sought to bypass their agreement by requesting direct payments from record labels such as Sony and Rhino Entertainment. The firm argues that this move violates their contract, which stipulates that they are entitled to a percentage of all royalties collected on Warwick's behalf. They assert that Warwick's royalty distributions increased approximately sixtyfold due to their efforts, and they have provided services at no upfront cost to her.

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Warwick's legal team has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, the lawsuit indicates that Warwick has expressed a desire to terminate the agreement, which Artists Rights contends is an attempt to evade paying for services rendered over the years. The firm’s lawyers have stated, “After decades of service, Ms. Warwick is now trying to evade paying Artists Rights hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.”

Dionne Warwick sued by rights company over royalties from Doja Cat sample deal

Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation's complaint emphasizes that they have fulfilled all contractual obligations while Warwick has “wrongfully and unreasonably repudiated the contracts.” They are seeking a court declaration affirming their entitlement to ongoing payments from Warwick's royalties and compensation for missed payments since her attempted termination of the contract.

Pitchfork

• “After decades of service, Ms. Warwick is now trying to evade paying Artists Rights hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. In so doing, she has violated her contracts with Artists Rights.” — Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation

Dionne Warwick sued by rights company over royalties from Doja Cat sample deal

• “Ms. Warwick profited enormously from Artists Rights’ work” — Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation

Dionne Warwick sued by rights company over royalties from Doja Cat sample deal

The lawsuit is currently pending in court, with Artists Rights seeking damages for breach of contract and a reaffirmation of their entitlement to Warwick's royalty income. The outcome of this case could have significant financial implications for both Warwick and the Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation, particularly in light of the commercial success of “Paint the Town Red.”

Pitchfork