Yamaha Co.

Fender has widened its campaign to enforce copyright over the Stratocaster body shape in Europe by sending a legal notice to Yamaha. The move follows a German court decision granting Fender EU copyright protection and earlier cease-and-desist letters to manufacturers and retailers. Yamaha is reviewing the notice while the dispute raises questions about whether Fender can block cheaper Strat-style models from European markets and sparks backlash from independent makers and musicians. The outcome could reshape competition in key growth markets and provoke costly legal challenges. » More on finance.yahoo.com

Yamaha introduced Creator Pass, a multi-tier subscription that bundles third-party music and podcast production services from partners like Landr, Output and Riverside. Plans start at $14.99/month (or $155.88/year) with seven tiers covering music and podcast workflows; the Podcaster Complete annual plan includes a Yamaha AG01 USB condenser mic. The bundle offers samples, virtual instruments, AI mastering, and hosting but lacks a DAW and presents mixed value compared with buying some services separately. Yamaha plans additional add-ons such as Audioshake stem separation and Vocaloid. » More on theverge.com

Yamaha posted a 7.4% sales decline in Q1 2025 to JPY 103.9 billion, weighed down by currency effects and U.S. tariffs. Core operating income amounted to JPY 4.7 billion (operating margin 4.5%) and net profit was JPY 2.4 billion, supported by strategic cost control. The share rose 0.85% to JPY 1,065. For the fiscal year, Yamaha expects sales of JPY 452 billion, core operating income of JPY 32 billion and maintains an annual dividend of JPY 26. » More on de.investing.com