California based independent label Cintas Acuario has filed a lawsuit against SonyBMG's US based Latin music division over allegations that the major is illegally marketing and distributing some of its sound recordings.
The indie says that is used to have a licensing deal with Sony which saw the major distribute recordings from many of its artists, including Los Razos, Voces del Rancho, Jenni Rivera and Lupillo Rivera. However, it says that it asked the major to cease and desist the "marketing, producing, promoting, manufacturing, distributing and selling of any and all" of its sound recordings in June 2006. Despite that, Cintas Acuario claims, Sony has continued to distribute its recordings.
Billboard quote the label's attorney, Anthony Lopez, as saying that Sony has been distributing his client's recordings "without us receiving any benefit", adding that because Sony continues to distribute their music the indie has "been unable to go out and get a [new] deal on their catalogue because there is still product in the market".
SonyBMG are yet to formally respond to the lawsuit.