The Police’s legendary guitarist and drummer have launched a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Sting in London’s High Court, claiming decades of unpaid royalties.
Story Highlights
- Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland sue Sting for millions in alleged unpaid royalties from “Every Breath You Take”
- Sting reportedly earns £550,000 annually as sole registered composer while bandmates claim unfair exclusion
- Lawsuit filed in London High Court after years of failed negotiations between former Police members
- Case highlights broader industry issues of artist compensation and legacy catalog control
Decades-Long Royalty Dispute Reaches Breaking Point
Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland have filed a lawsuit against their former Police bandmate Sting, alleging he owes them millions in unpaid royalties. The legal action centers on “Every Breath You Take,” one of the most commercially successful songs in music history. Sources close to the plaintiffs indicate this lawsuit represents a last resort after years of unsuccessful private negotiations to resolve the royalty distribution dispute.
The case underscores longstanding tensions within the legendary band regarding fair compensation for creative contributions. Sting’s registration as sole composer has enabled him to retain the majority of royalties from the hit song, generating approximately £550,000 annually from this track alone. This arrangement has created significant financial disparity among the band members despite their collective role in creating The Police’s distinctive sound.
Sting being sued by former Police bandmates over lost royalties
Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland are reportedly seeking “substantial” damages https://t.co/UxtiBOVEu8
— NME (@NME) August 25, 2025
Legal Registration Versus Creative Contribution Battle
The crux of the dispute lies in Sting’s legal status as the sole registered composer and author of “Every Breath You Take” with PRS for Music. This registration grants him primary control over royalty distribution, a position Summers and Copeland have contested for years. The plaintiffs argue their musical contributions were essential to the song’s success and commercial appeal, warranting fair compensation beyond standard performance royalties.
The lawsuit targets both Sting personally and his publishing company, Magnetic Publishing Limited, seeking damages under “general commercial contracts and arrangements” in London’s High Court. Legal experts note that such disputes often hinge on original contractual terms and registration details, making the case particularly complex given the decades-long timeframe involved and evolving industry standards for royalty distribution.
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Industry-Wide Implications for Legacy Artists
This high-profile case arrives during an era when legacy music catalogs have reached unprecedented valuations, particularly with streaming revenue growth. Music industry analysts observe that royalty disputes among heritage acts have intensified as catalog values soar, creating renewed scrutiny over historical compensation arrangements. The outcome could establish important precedents for other artists seeking redress in similar situations.
The lawsuit represents broader tensions between legal ownership and creative contribution recognition in the music industry. If successful, the case could prompt other legacy artists to challenge existing royalty structures and potentially lead to industry-wide reforms in catalog management and transparency. The Police’s global recognition and “Every Breath You Take’s” enduring commercial success make this dispute particularly significant for establishing future standards in artist compensation disputes.
Sources:
Sting Sued by Police Bandmates Over Missing Royalties – Music Business Worldwide
Sting Sued by Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland Over Lost Royalties – Guitar World
