The original logo for the Round Hill and Zync JV. Photo Credit: RHM
Nine months and one war of words later, Round Hill and Zync have put their ugly legal battle to rest.
Both sides just recently moved to dismiss the action, centering on a JV deal turned (very) sour. We covered the convoluted confrontation when it kicked off in May 2024, after the sync-focused Zync sold certain assets to Round Hill (and specifically its second royalty fund) in 2017.
Also in 2017, the same parties hammered out “a joint tenancy agreement.” At least as described in the pact, Zync would handle day-to-day operations, Round Hill would contribute funding and infrastructure support, and the two would cooperate harmoniously, legal documents recapped.
But far from going off without a hitch, that ill-advised arrangement (under which Round Hill and Zync were to share revenue, certain bills, and more) promptly hit turbulence, the initial suit described.
Without rehashing too many of the details at hand – Zync alleged bullying and more on the part of Round Hill, which vehemently denied the claims – the evidently strained professional relationship laid the groundwork for a grand-finale dispute.
That’s because the contract further called for Round Hill to buy out the remainder of Zync (at a value determined by a third-party appraiser) once the original deal term had ended.
Unsurprisingly here, the companies tapped different appraisers and promptly proceeded to lock horns over the dollar amount – hence the lawsuit and the ensuing back-and-forth in the media.
Fast forward to November 2024, when, following multiple twists and turns, the presiding judge granted Round Hill’s motion to stay the case pending a fresh third-party appraisal of Zync.
Round Hill and Zync originally had until December 20th, 2024, to select the new appraiser, but that deadline was extended multiple times en route to a January 7th agreement.
Said agreement set the stage for the third-party appraisal, which promptly commenced and evidently resulted in the newly ordered dismissal with prejudice.
Absent from this dismissal order is any mention of the valuation in question; DMN reached out to Round Hill reps (albeit when it was a bit late in London) but didn’t receive a response in time for publishing.
Keeping the focus on what we do know, however, Zync’s LinkedIn page has already rebranded as Round Hill Music Sync. Even so, Zync’s website remains live, including an unchanged “about” section, under its original name.
Separately, thanks to DMN Pro’s one-stop Music Industry Litigation Tracker, we can see that Round Hill is still embroiled in a contract dispute with B.o.B. Though Round Hill levied the suit in 2022, the defendant rapper is continuing to fight back – including with a counterclaims push that ramped up earlier this month.