Ari Bias Criticizes Licensing Responsibility Errors Related to Agnez Mo's Copyright Case, Claims Not to Set High Royalties

Kapanlagi.com - Ari Bias, the plaintiff in the copyright infringement case against Agnez Mo, highlighted several misunderstandings in the music industry regarding licensing responsibility and royalty payments. He emphasized that the singer, as the performer, should be responsible for the licensing, not the event organizer.

“I reported to LMKN. I visited their office in 2023/2024. I asked whether the concerts at the three venues had obtained permission, and according to LMKN, they had not. Finally, I requested permission to use my legal rights to pursue it myself, and LMKN granted it,” said Ari Bias when contacted by the media on Sunday (9/2/2025).

1. Consult First Before Bringing Issues to Court

Ari explained that before going to LMKN, he first asked LMK KCI because he was registered with that institution. After verifying the information, he ensured that no permit was issued for Agnez Mo's concert before bringing the case to court.

According to KCI, one must first ask WAMI, and eventually I went to LMKN. From there, I confirmed that there was no permit for that concert,

2. Regretting This Case

Instagram/ari_bias

He also regrets the assumption of several musicians who see his actions as a potential bad precedent for the relationship between singers and songwriters. According to Ari, the court's decision is actually a form of legal certainty that needs to be supported by all parties.

They should support it because it has been clearly decided by the court that a copyright infringement has occurred. This is a good precedent to improve the existing system to make it fairer and more transparent,

3. Issues of Responsibility for Permissions

Instagram/ari_bias

Ari added that the responsibility for permissions is easier when it is in the hands of the singer. This is because the singer knows the details of the song to be performed and its creator, making it more effective than handing that responsibility over to the event organizer.

“If the permission is with the singer, everything is easier. They know the song they will sing and who the creator is. The event organizer doesn’t always know those details. With this system, everything becomes clearer,” said Ari.

4. Claims Not to Set High Royalty Prices

Instagram/ari_bias

Nevertheless, Ari admitted that he does not set high prices for royalty payments. He mentioned that several singers like Kris Dayanti and Reza Artamevia have fulfilled their obligations well, and he is also flexible in negotiations.

“Kris Dayanti's management has already paid for her concerts in Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia. I am also flexible. If someone is still promoting and doesn’t have a job yet, it’s free,” he revealed.

5. Hoping This Becomes a Lesson for All Parties

Instagram/ari_bias

Ari hopes this case serves as a lesson for all parties in the music industry. He is optimistic that systemic changes will bring long-term positive impacts.

“This is a significant momentum for change. The current system needs to be improved to be fairer and more transparent. If singers hold direct licenses, everything becomes easier and there is no more confusion about responsibilities,” he said.

(kpl/far/fbi)