The launch of Spotify in India is difficult, Warner Music sues to block artists such as Katy Perry

Spotify was in talks to get a license for Warner's music, but the streaming company "abruptly changed course" by falsely claiming that a rule applicable to broadcasters applies also to Spotify, said Warner Music Group in a statement. (Reuters)

Warner Music Group has asked an Indian court to block Spotify Technology SA, the world's largest paid streaming music service, by offering songs from its songwriters, including Katy Perry and Led Zeppelin. The case was filed with the Bombay High Court, according to a document seen by Bloomberg. Warner said Monday in a statement that he had asked an Indian court for an injunction. Spotify did not immediately respond to requests for comment and Bloomberg was not immediately able to verify the lawsuit in court.

For Spotify, who would intend to introduce its service in India in the coming weeks, the trial is stepping up. a conflict between society and the third band. This is also the last hurdle on Spotify 's spotted road to India, one of the largest untapped markets in the Stockholm – based company.

See also | MWC 2019: Affordable Nokia 4.2, Nokia 3.2, Nokia 1 Plus and Nokia 210 Phones Launched by HMD Global

Spotify did not get a license for Warner Music Group's music, but plans to He used an Indian rule that governs radio stations to offer songs from Warner's publishing division, according to a spokesman for Warner.

India is potentially a lucrative market. Music sales rose 17% to $ 130.7 million in 2017 in the country, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Rival streaming services have already gained a foothold amid the proliferation of high-speed Internet in this country.

Spotify was in talks to get a license for Warner's music, but the streaming company has "abruptly changed course" by falsely claiming that an applicable rule Broadcasters also apply to Spotify, said Warner Music Group in a statement. "We had no choice but to ask an Indian court for an injunction to prevent this."

Spotify, whose audio service has over 200 million users in 78 countries, has been trying for some time to enter the Indian market. has already signed contracts with the biggest local labels. Domestic music such as that of Bollywood films represents the majority of the songs listened to in the country.

But major record companies still represent the largest pop music group in the world and Spotify has not yet announced a contract with any of the three major record companies. . According to the current Spotify plan, he still would not be able to offer music from Warner's label, which represents Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Cardi B. The publishing houses represent songwriters , while record companies collaborate with the artist and producer.

Spotify and Warner have been struggling with problems for months, and Spotify informed Warner late last week that he was considering using a law, used to regulate broadcasters, to enter on the market with songs from the publishing division of Warner.

streaming services has helped music companies, record companies have retained their rights in India in order to maintain an advantage in the negotiation of other long-term contracts. The last litigation could complicate the talks.