who owns the beatles catalog

The Beatles catalog ownership is split and somewhat complex as of 2025. In the United States, Paul McCartney's company MPL Communications holds the publishing rights to Lennon–McCartney songs as they have reverted to him under U.S. copyright law, with the full catalog expected to be reverted by 2026. McCartney now benefits directly from these U.S. publishing rights through MPL. John Lennon's share, mostly controlled by Sony Music Publishing due to a private deal with Yoko Ono, remains under Sony's control, with Ono retaining royalties but Sony holding publishing ownership until around 2050. Outside the U.S., Sony Music Publishing remains the major owner of the Beatles catalog, controlling the publishing rights generally. Michael Jackson originally purchased the catalog in 1985 for $47.5 million, after which he sold 50% to Sony. Upon Jackson's death, Sony gradually acquired the remainder of the estate's rights, becoming the sole owner of the catalog internationally. Master recordings are owned by Universal Music Group, while Apple Corps (The Beatles' own company) manages the band's brand and other rights. In summary, McCartney and Lennon's heirs increasingly own U.S. publishing shares, Sony Music Publishing controls international publishing rights, and Universal owns the master recordings.