France's Believe denies copyright allegation in $500 mln US claim by UMG

Nov 5 (Reuters) - French digital music company Believe (BLV.PA) on Tuesday denied allegations of copyright infringement by Universal Music Group (UMG.AS), which is seeking damages of at least $500 million (459 million euros) through a complaint in the United States.

UMG, the world's biggest music label, alleges in the complaint, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, that Paris-based Believe and its U.S. business TuneCore have profited from the distribution of copies of copyrighted recordings.

"As companies that work with artists and labels around the world, we take the respect of copyright very seriously. We strongly refute these claims, and the statements made by Universal Music Group and will fight them," said Believe.

UMG alleges that Believe has been distributing copyrighted material by changing the name of the artists or by publishing "sped-up" versions of original songs.

Tracks by Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga are distributed by Believe under names like "Kendrik Laamar", "Arriana Gramde", "Jutin Bieber" and "Llady Gaga", the plaintiffs said in their court filing.

The complaint by UMG, ABKCO Music & Records and Concord Music Group has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Believe's music catalogue features on social media platforms and streaming services including TikTok, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

Founded in 2005 by former Vivendi (VIV.PA) executive Denis Ladegaillerie and listed in Paris in 2021, Believe operates in 50 countries and has expanded its market share by acquiring other music labels in Europe and the Americas, with the former bringing in most of its revenue.

The company's initial goal was to shake up the music distribution industry by promoting artists digitally, a strategy that has fuelled competition with other mainstream labels.