Sony, Warner, Universal and BMG Lose Copyright Battle to Songwriter Who Sold Worldwide Rights for Just $1

The Swingin’ Medallions’ 1966 hit 'Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love)' is at the centre of a ruling that US copyright termination can reach foreign rights (Credit: Screenshot from YT: Mustang Sally)

Four of the world's biggest music companies have lost their fight for the overseas rights to a 1960s hit that its writers sold for $1 (about 75p) and a promise of royalties.

The US Supreme Court said on 19 October 2026 that it could not hear the challenge from the publishing arms of Sony, Universal, Warner, and BMG.