Apple Buys Samplab, Supreme Court Upholds Global Termination Rights - Oct 20

Email us here Apple's quiet acquisition of Swiss AI audio startup Samplab signals a major Logic Pro upgrade, while a Supreme Court rejection sends shockwaves through major label publishing. Meanwhile, Spotify's war on AI spam hits a staggering 50-million-track milestone. Deals & M&A • Apple acquired Swiss AI audio startup Samplab GmbH, likely folding tech into Logic Pro and GarageBand. Lawsuits & AI • Supreme Court declined BMG v. Vetter, affirming global copyright termination rights in a major blow to UMG, Sony, WMG, and BMG. • UMG and Sony push Boston court to force Suno investor Lightspeed Venture Partners to testify on AI training-data risks. • Amy Helm filed a countersuit against Levon Helm Studios shareholders over a brewing ownership dispute. Streaming & Tech • Spotify removed 50 million AI slop tracks from recommendations and deleted 75 million total for violations in 2026. • APRA AMCOS hit record AU$857.4M revenue but warned Australian music's streaming share has collapsed to just 8.5%. Live & Touring • Cleo Sol announced the Gentlewoman Tour, a seven-date Live Nation North American arena run opening April 13 at MSG. • Tinashe announced the "The Show Must Go On" 2027 North American headlining tour behind her album Popstar. Also Today • BMAC warns UMG layoffs threaten Black executive progress, calls diversity a profitable business strategy. • Round Group raises $5.3M from Foresight Group to expand short-form UGC music marketing. • Materia Music turns 10 as the Deltarune soundtrack hits number three on Billboard's Soundtracks chart. • Billboard Latin Music Week is underway in Miami through October 22. Five minutes, six categories, zero fluff.