Steam Owner Valve Sued by PRS for Music Licensing Infringement

The Performing Right Society (PRS) for Music has officially commenced legal proceedings against Valve Corporation, the parent company of the popular gaming platform Steam. The organization alleges that Valve has been offering games containing copyrighted musical works without obtaining the necessary licenses, infringing on the rights of songwriters, composers, and publishers.

According to PRS, Valve has never secured a license for the musical content managed by the society, despite the platform hosting a vast library of titles where music plays a pivotal role in creating immersive player experiences. The claim identifies several high-profile series available on Steam, including Grand Theft Auto, FIFA/EA FC, and Forza Horizon, as titles utilizing works that require proper licensing.

Years of Negotiation Stall

PRS reports that it attempted to resolve the licensing dispute with Valve for several years. However, citing a lack of appropriate engagement from the US-based tech giant, the organization felt compelled to escalate the matter under the UK's Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988.

Dan Gopal, Chief Commercial Officer at PRS for Music, emphasized the importance of fair compensation for creators. He stated that legal action is a last resort but is necessary when a company's operations undermine the value of creative work. Gopal added that while video games rely heavily on their soundtracks, the creators behind that music deserve recognition and fair remuneration.

Broader Legal Troubles for Valve

The lawsuit demands that Valve obtain licenses to cover the use of the PRS repertoire both retrospectively and in the future. Failure to engage positively in discussions will result in the litigation proceeding through the courts.

This legal challenge adds to Valve's current regulatory difficulties. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a separate lawsuit against the company, alleging that loot boxes in titles such as Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 encourage minors to participate in unlawful gambling activities.