A battle over unpaid royalties has erupted between Sting and his former bandmates from The Police. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland have filed a lawsuit against Sting, legally known as Gordon Matthew Sumner, alleging they are owed millions of pounds in unpaid royalties. The legal action, initiated in London’s High Court, centers on a dispute over songwriting credits and compensation for their contributions to the band’s catalog, specifically concerning the hit song “Every Breath You Take.”
The Heart of the Dispute
The lawsuit names Sting and his company, Magnetic Publishing Limited, as defendants. According to reports, Summers and Copeland are seeking “substantial” damages, claiming they have never received proper songwriting credits or rightful compensation for their musical contributions to the 1983 single “Every Breath You Take.” Currently, Sting is listed as the sole composer and author of the track. It is believed that Sting earns approximately £550,000 (around $740,500 USD) annually from the song’s royalties, according to news reports from August 2025.
Years of Tension
The dispute has been simmering for years, reaching a stalemate after repeated attempts by lawyers for both sides to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. A source close to the situation, as reported by The Daily Mail, stated that Summers and Copeland felt they had “no alternative than court so pressed the button,” believing they are owed millions in lost royalties.
Sting’s Response
While a representative for Sting confirmed the existence of a legal dispute, they denied that the action specifically relates to “Every Breath You Take,” though no further details were provided. The case is listed under “general commercial contracts and arrangements” at the London High Court.
Background of the Band’s Issues
This legal challenge underscores the long-standing tensions within The Police, reportedly dating back to their recording sessions, particularly during their fifth and final album, “Synchronicity,” and their eventual split in 1984. This information was widely reported across news outlets including People and Yahoo News Canada. The lawsuit comes after Sting sold his entire song catalog, including his solo works and The Police’s hits, to Universal Music Publishing Group in February 2022 for an estimated $300 million.
Impact on the Music Industry
The impact of this lawsuit highlights the complex and enduring financial and legal issues that can arise among members of major rock bands, even decades after their heyday. Guitar World and Ultimate Classic Rock both emphasized this aspect in their coverage of the lawsuit. The outcome of this high-stakes legal battle will determine the future of royalty allocations for one of rock music’s most iconic songs and further illuminate the lasting significance of music rights in the modern industry.
Financial Implications and Songwriting Credits
The core of the lawsuit revolves around songwriting credits and the subsequent distribution of royalties. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland contend that their contributions to “Every Breath You Take” were significant enough to warrant official songwriting credits and a share of the royalties. The current arrangement, which lists Sting as the sole composer, allegedly deprives them of substantial income they believe they are rightfully owed. According to Vulture, the financial implications could be considerable, potentially reaching millions of pounds if Summers and Copeland are successful in their legal challenge.
Precedent Setting Case
Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for future disputes over songwriting credits and royalty allocations within the music industry. The outcome will likely influence how courts assess the contributions of band members who are not officially credited as songwriters. As noted by The Los Angeles Times, the case underscores the importance of clear and comprehensive agreements regarding intellectual property rights within musical groups.
The Future of “Every Breath You Take” Royalties
The lawsuit’s resolution will directly impact the future distribution of royalties for “Every Breath You Take,” one of the most recognizable and lucrative songs in rock history. If Summers and Copeland prevail, they could be entitled to a portion of the annual royalties, which are currently estimated at £550,000 (around $740,500 USD). This would significantly reduce Sting’s income from the song and potentially lead to a renegotiation of royalty agreements for other songs in The Police’s catalog.
Long-Term Band Tensions
The lawsuit sheds light on the long-standing tensions that have plagued The Police since their early days. According to The Express Tribune, these tensions were particularly acute during the recording of their final album, “Synchronicity,” which ultimately led to their breakup in 1984. The current legal battle is seen by some as a continuation of these unresolved issues, highlighting the challenges of maintaining harmonious relationships within successful musical groups.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland against Sting represents a significant legal and financial challenge for all parties involved. Centered on the issue of unpaid royalties for “Every Breath You Take,” the case underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights within the music industry and highlights the enduring tensions that can arise within successful bands. The outcome of this legal battle will not only determine the future of royalty allocations for one of rock music’s most iconic songs but also set a potential precedent for similar disputes in the future.
