NORWALK, CT, July 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Independent artist and attorney Mark M. Kratter has issued an update regarding his ongoing litigation involving Spotify, following the company's recent removal of the case from Connecticut Superior Court to federal court.
Before the removal, Kratter filed an amended complaint in state court, expanding on statistical patterns observed across six separate artist identities — the Mark Kratter Band, RapsterKratter, Menachem Kratter Band, Mark Michaels Messiah Band, KratterVision, and Mark Kratter Band Singles. The filing details stream distribution irregularities, catalog visibility issues, and platform engagement anomalies observed across these identities. The amended complaint primarily seeks injunctive and declaratory relief, with monetary damages included only as secondary relief.
After Spotify removed the case, Kratter filed a motion in federal court seeking remand back to Connecticut Superior Court. The motion argues that federal jurisdiction is not established because the amount in controversy has not been demonstrated, and the claims are grounded in state law with predominantly equitable relief. Kratter also seeks attorney's fees and costs associated with the removal, noting that the amended complaint was filed in state court to ensure the record was complete before the transfer occurred.
"This motion ensures that the jurisdictional issues are properly addressed and that the procedural history is clear," Kratter said. "The case will proceed according to the court's determination on remand."
The lawsuit challenges the impact of Spotify's 2026 rule changes on independent artists, citing data‑supported patterns affecting visibility and distribution across multiple identities.
Mark M. Kratter is an independent recording artist, attorney, electrical engineer, inventor, and producer based in Norwalk, Connecticut. With more than 125 releases and over 1,900 released songs across multiple artistic identities, he is one of the most prolific musicians in the United States. His work spans Jewish spiritual music, hip‑hop, EDM, rock, acoustic storytelling, comedy, and large‑scale biblical narrative cycles, all unified by a signature intensity and conceptual ambition.
Kratter's background in electrical engineering and law shapes his analytical approach to digital platforms, authorship, and creative rights. He is also the inventor and patent holder of the ZUBO sculptural footwear designs, created with designer Boris Zuborev. His ongoing federal copyright matters involve early East Village shoe concepts from the 1990s, reflecting his long-standing commitment to originality and artistic integrity. He is currently in litigation with the United States Copyright Office in federal court in the District of Columbia.
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