YouTuber sued for copyright infringement, plaintiff wants $150,000 per incident

YouTubers believed to be in violation of copyright laws typically get a takedown notice advising them to remove whatever content their video is using without permission. But in the case of YouTube star Michelle Phan who has over 6 million subscribers following her online make-up tutorial channel, things have taken an aggressive turn. Ultra Records has filed a lawsuit against Phan claiming that she used 50 of their songs in her YouTube videos without proper permission.

The record label is requesting $150,000 per instance claiming the internet celebrity profited from the use of their artists’ music. Although these are some pretty pricey allegations, Phan isn’t your average YouTuber. According to statistics tracker Social Blade, the popular make-up demonstrator’s channel rakes in around $12.4k to $98.9k per month.

Phan’s camp argues that she’s done nothing wrong and that Ultra gave her permission to use their music in her videos.

“Ultra agreed to allow Michelle to use the music and Michelle intends to fight this lawsuit and bring her own claims against Ultra,” Phan’s spokesperson told BBC. “Michelle’s intention has always been to promote other artists, creating a platform for their work to be showcased to an international audience. Kaskade, whose music has been featured in Michelle’s videos, has publicly defended Michelle against Ultra’s claims and acknowledges the success he’s gained from her support.”

Ultra artist DJ Kaskade backs Phan’s claims and recently took to Twitter to show his support.

[tweet https://twitter.com/kaskade/statuses/490307027382464514]

Here’s a look at an alleged instance where Phan used one of Kaskade’s tracks without permission.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=undefined&w=854&h=510]