Maclen (Music) Limited begins legal proceedings against Northern Songs

On this day Maclen (Music) Limited began legal proceedings against Northern Songs, the company founded by music publisher Dick James, Brian Epstein, John Lennon and Paul McCartney in 1963 to publish Lennon-McCartney songs.

Northern Songs was in the process of being sold, and this legal notice was to request a re-audit of royalty statements from 11 February 1965 onwards. Maclen had been set up to publish Lennon and McCartney’s songs in the US.

Company audits were Allen Klein’s speciality, and he almost always managed to uncover misdeeds leading to compensation for his star clients. It was just one of many tough negotiations Klein entered into on The Beatles’ behalf in 1969.

Paul McCartney's diary, 16-17 September 1969

Paul McCartney’s diary, 16-17 September 1969

Last updated: 22 June 2023
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