Speculation over whether Alibaba will re-enter music streaming gains traction after Tencent loses exclusive rights

A subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding has applied for a slew of trademarks for its now-defunct music streaming service. Xiami Music, which ceased operations in February, was once Alibaba’s main competitor for Chinese listeners. — SCMP

A subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding has applied for a slew of trademarks for its now-defunct music streaming service, fanning speculation about whether the e-commerce giant will re-enter music streaming after Beijing forced Tencent Holdings to relinquish its exclusive licensing deals.

Alibaba Singapore Holding has filed dozens of applications beginning in June for Xiami Music and Entertainment in various categories, including concert production, ticketing and music publishing, according to a search on the website of the Trademark Office of China National Intellectual Property Administration.