The Hipgnosis v. Hipgnosis Lawsuit Is Heating Up

The Hipgnosis v. Hipgnosis Lawsuit Is Heating Up – But Is the Damage Already Done for Merck Mercuriadis’ Troubled Songs Fund?

By Digital Music News Publisher, Paul Resnikoff

In our latest DMN Pro Weekly Report, we delve into the complex web of companies known as ‘Hipgnosis,’ while previewing a legal battle between Hipgnosis entities (past and present) that promises to be ugly. Can the once high-flying Hipgnosis Songs Fund survive this latest attack without serious long-term damage?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Hipgnosis v. Hipgnosis: An Introduction to an Ugly Battle.

As Hipgnosis Songs Fund (HSF) grapples with operational difficulties, the liquidators of a defunct predecessor, Hipgnosis Music, name it as well as founder Merck Mercuriadis in a lawsuit alleging breach of fiduciary duty.

II. As HSF’s Catalog Deals Dominated Headlines, Hipgnosis Music Partners Battled Prosecution 

While HSF dominated industry headlines for its flurry of high-value catalog purchases, two individuals who partnered with Mercuriadis on Hipgnosis Music faced prosecution and prison sentences over a massive pension scheme.

III. Hipgnosis Music Similarities Cast a Shadow Over HSF

With Hipgnosis Music’s lawsuit heating up, similarities between the shuttered entity and its struggling successor become increasingly conspicuous at an especially uncertain time.

IV. Is the Damage Already Done for Merck Mercuriadis and Hipgnosis Songs Fund?

Hipgnosis Music’s complaint drives coverage and discussion that, notwithstanding the case’s eventual outcome, could have a devastating medium-term impact against the backdrop of investor unrest and HSF’s restructuring.