Spotify's $2.2B Buyback, UMG-Liquidax AI Patents, TikTok's $9B - Aug 21

Email us hereSpotify flexes its balance sheet with a fresh $1.5 billion buyback authorization, while UMG's AI patent joint venture begins licensing to its first takers. Meanwhile, TikTok's international revenues surged 46% to $9.19 billion in 2025, swinging to profitability outside the US. Deals & M&A • Spotify board approves $1.5B share buyback, raising total authorization to $2.223 billion. Lawsuits & AI • UMG-Liquidax joint venture MIH unveils 24+ generative AI patents, licenses to Udio and GRAI first. • Judge dismisses The Twigs' trademark suit against FKA twigs, citing decade-long delay under laches doctrine. • California appellate judges signal likely dismissal of Jay-Z's defamation appeal against attorney Tony Buzbee. Streaming & Tech • Apple Music's "Made With AI" labels require label-supplied metadata; Apple won't independently detect AI content. • Apple quietly raises Apple One Family to $27.95 and Premier to $39.95 per month, effective September. Live & Touring • KKR acquires minority stake in Indian ticketing giant BookMyShow for a reported $40–50 million. • Live Nation subsidiary sues to protect artist trademarks including Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, and The Cure. Artists & Releases • New Music Friday: Rapsody, Weezer, Jorja Smith, Cleo Sol, and Sam Smith all drop albums today. International • TikTok's non-US revenues hit $9.19B in 2025, up 45.7%, flipping to $451.9M operating profit. Five minutes, six categories, zero fluff.