Latin singer Ricardo Montaner has filed lawsuits in the U.S. and Venezuela against Universal Music Group, seeking ownership of his first five albums from 1986 to 1992.
The suits, filed Sunday in the U.S., claim UMG has refused to return rights to the masters after Montaner exercised a copyright termination notice in 2022. The albums include hits such as “La Cima Del Cielo,” “Castillo Azul,” and “Piel Adentro.”
Montaner alleges he received no royalties since UMG took control in 2001 and entered a distribution deal with ADA Latin in 2025 based on the expected termination. UMG disputes the notice’s validity and contacted ADA in April to assert continued ownership.
The singer seeks a court declaration of ownership, an injunction against interference, and damages exceeding $1 million. A representative for Montaner declined further comment, while UMG and WMG offered no immediate response.
