Martin Garrix wins back rights to music in legal battle

Written by . Published: September 21 2017

Electronic dance music star Martin Garrix has scored victory in a legal battle with his former record label boss over ownership of his music.


The Animals DJ, real name Martijn Garritsen, split from his longtime record label Spinnin' Records and its sister company MusicAllstars Management (MAS) in August, 2015 following a dispute over the rights to his songs.

In November, 2015, Garrix filed a lawsuit against Spinnin' Records chief executive and his former manager Eelko van Kooten seeking restitution of the rights to his music. He also claimed he was given "false and misleading information" when he signed contracts.

On Wednesday (20Sep17), a Dutch judge ruled in Garrix's favor and his contract with the label was terminated.

"I am happy with this outcome, not only for myself but also for all other DJ's/producers out there, since this case was not only about me, but about all of us artists," a statement from Garrix reads.

Garrix is now awaiting a ruling on damages - according to Billboard he is seeking €3.7 million ($4.4 million) from Spinnin' and €650,000 ($780,300) from bosses at MusicAllStars.