Who Owns The Beatles Catalog
Key Stats
- The Beatles catalog is valued at approximately $1.2 billion as of 2025 (Reuters)
- Sony Music Publishing controls publishing rights to over 251 Lennon-McCartney compositions
- Annual revenue reaches $70-90 million through streaming, licensing, and royalties
- Michael Jackson purchased ATV Music for $47.5 million in 1985; Sony acquired full control in 2016 for $750 million (Billboard)
The Beatles catalog ownership involves three primary entities managing one of music history’s most valuable assets. Sony Music Publishing holds global publishing rights to most Lennon-McCartney and Harrison compositions, while Universal Music Group owns master recordings through Calderstone Productions.
Apple Corps Ltd., founded by the band in 1968, maintains control over brand management and licensing approvals. Paul McCartney has reclaimed portions of his U.S. publishing rights through copyright termination laws, adding complexity to the ownership structure. The catalog generates substantial revenue through streaming platforms and synchronization licenses.
Who Owns The Beatles Catalog?
The Beatles catalog ownership divides into two categories controlled by different corporations. Publishing rights rest primarily with Sony Music Publishing, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation. Master recordings belong to Universal Music Group through Calderstone Productions Ltd.
Publishing Rights Structure
Sony Music Publishing administers Beatles compositions globally, handling licensing for commercial use and synchronization worldwide outside the United States.
Recording Rights Management
Universal Music Group acquired Beatles master recordings through its 2012 EMI purchase. Any reissue or licensing requires coordination between UMG and Apple Corps Ltd.
History of The Beatles Catalog Co-founders
Beatles catalog publishing rights originated with Northern Songs Ltd., established in February 1963 by publisher Dick James, manager Brian Epstein, and songwriters John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Northern Songs Formation
Dick James held controlling interest, with Lennon and McCartney each owning approximately 15% when the company went public in 1965. This arrangement provided steady income but relinquished long-term control.
ATV Acquisition and Apple Corps
Lew Grade’s ATV acquired Northern Songs in 1969 after a bidding war. The Beatles established Apple Corps Ltd. in 1968 as their corporate entity, which remains under surviving members’ control, similar to how Disney built corporate structures around creative assets.
Largest Shareholders of The Beatles Catalog
Beatles catalog shareholders exist within parent companies controlling each rights segment.
Sony Group Corporation
Sony Group Corporation owns Sony Music Publishing entirely. Major shareholders include The Master Trust Bank of Japan at 12.3%, Custody Bank of Japan at 7.8%, BlackRock at 5.2%, and Vanguard at 4.6%. These institutions indirectly hold Beatles publishing stakes, similar to how Sony’s Crunchyroll ownership works.
Universal Music Group Shareholders
UMG trades on Euronext Amsterdam. The Bolloré family owns 28%, Tencent Holdings holds 20% acquired for €6 billion, and Pershing Square Holdings owns 10%. Public shareholders hold the remainder.
Apple Corps Ltd. Structure
Apple Corps operates privately with ownership divided among Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the Lennon and Harrison estates. This differs from consolidated labels like Death Row Records.
Who Is on the Board of Directors for The Beatles Catalog?
The Beatles catalog lacks a single board since multiple corporations share ownership.
Sony Music Publishing Leadership
Jon Platt serves as Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing since April 2019. He reports to Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group.
Universal Music Group Executives
Sir Lucian Grainge leads UMG as Chairman and CEO since 2011, directing the company controlling Beatles master recordings through Capitol Music Group.
Apple Corps Management
Jeff Jones has served as Apple Corps CEO, coordinating with Sony and Universal. Ownership remains with McCartney, Starr, and the Lennon estate (Yoko Ono) and Harrison estate (Olivia Harrison).
Estate Representatives
The estates maintain representatives participating in decisions about Beatles music usage and presentation.
FAQs
Who owns The Beatles catalog today?
Sony Music Publishing owns global publishing rights. Universal Music Group owns master recordings. Apple Corps Ltd. manages brand and trademarks, owned by surviving Beatles and estates.
Did Paul McCartney buy back The Beatles catalog?
McCartney did not purchase the catalog. He reclaimed U.S. publishing rights to certain songs through copyright termination laws starting in 2018.
How much is The Beatles catalog worth?
The Beatles catalog is valued at approximately $1.2 billion as of 2025, generating $70-90 million annually.
Does Michael Jackson’s estate still own Beatles songs?
No. Sony purchased the Jackson estate’s 50% stake in Sony/ATV for $750 million in 2016, gaining complete publishing ownership.
Who receives royalties when Beatles songs stream?
Royalties split between Universal Music Group for recordings and Sony Music Publishing for compositions, flowing to Apple Corps and individual estates.