The legendary Sir Paul McCartney has filed a lawsuit against label executives at Sony/ATV in order to regain rights to The Beatles' extensive back catalogue. 

The icon is using the U.S. Copyright Act in the case as it states that artists who originally signed over their rights to music can renegotiate ownership after 35 years have passed. 

The suit says: "For years following service of the first Termination Notices, Defendants gave no indication to Paul McCartney that they contested the efficacy of Paul McCartney’s Termination Notices. Defendants’ affiliates did, however, oppose at least one other artist’s terminations of transfers under the terms of the 1976 Copyright Act."

A spokesperson for Sony/ATV has issued the following statement on the news: "Sony/ATV has the highest respect for Sir Paul McCartney with whom we have enjoyed a long and mutually rewarding relationship with respect to the treasured Lennon & McCartney song catalog."

"We have collaborated closely with both Sir Paul and the late John Lennon’s Estate for decades to protect, preserve and promote the catalog’s long-term value. We are disappointed that they have filed this lawsuit which we believe is both unnecessary and premature."

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.

Watch Sir Paul McCartney performing 'Blackbird' below: