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MU Reacts to NFT Platform HitPiece 

We are aware that many musicians have expressed alarm that works associated with them have been presented for auction as NFTs, seemingly without their knowledge by the platform HitPiece.

Photo ofMichael Sweeney
By Michael Sweeney Published: 04 February 2022 | 1:21 PM Updated: 18 July 2023 | 1:49 PM
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Any copying of your works requires permission. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Whilst NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are not in themselves illegal and some artists have engaged with the concept, any copying of your works requires permission. This is not necessarily limited to your rights in musical works but potentially album artwork, Trademarks and other associated intellectual property rights.

It is unclear how this platform believes it has obtained such permission, although we are aware of some theories being circulated. The MU, along with other industry partners are investigating this issue and we encourage any members who have been affected to contact us as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the MU is asking a few simple questions of HitPiece and its owners - “You have stated that ‘to be clear, artists get paid when digital goods are sold on Hitpiece’, how did you obtain their permission to sell anything on their behalf in the first place, and by what mechanism were you planning on paying them?”

We await their answer with interest and will keep members updated as we know more.

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