Universal Music followed the Beastie Boys’ lead in suing US restaurant chain Chili’s for using unauthorized music in social media posts. This is the latest in a series of lawsuits being filed over brands’ unauthorized use of music on social media, following the recent dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Sony Music against hotel company Marriott. .
In the New Chili lawsuit, Universal claims that the restaurant company “relies on the use of popular music as an integral part of Chilean cuisine” “to capture consumer attention in the rapidly changing world of social media.” “I have chosen,” he declared. Messaging”.
However, the company “failed to pay” Universal’s label and music publishing business for “music that served as the soundtrack for Chilean social media ads posted to its social media accounts.”
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have their own licenses from the music industry, but they typically only cover user-generated content.
If your brand posts a video featuring commercially released music, you’ll need to secure a license for that music in the same way you would for a TV ad. Or use music on platforms specifically licensed for brands, such as tracks from TikTok’s commercial music library.
Universal’s complaint says Chili’s owners know this because they have previously licensed the use of some of their music. However, “despite this history and knowledge, defendants used many of plaintiffs’ copyrighted works without permission or payment.”
Universal’s legal filings include a long list of videos posted by Chili’s on Instagram and TikTok, including recordings and songs controlled by the company. That includes music from Ariana Grande, Gnarls Barkley, ABBA, Mariah Carey, Young Gravy, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, and more.
Major is asking the court to order Chili’s to stop infringing copyright through its social media posts. Additionally, the music companies are, unsurprisingly, seeking significant damages, which could include “statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each infringed work.” Considering the number of works featured, it can be very expensive.
The Beastie Boys sued Chili’s in July, claiming that their song “Sabotage” was used in a video posted to social media without the band’s permission. In this case, the restaurant chain is also accused of posting a video set to the band’s music on social media, hinting at its endorsement of the brand.
Other companies sued for using music in social media posts without a license include Gymshark, Bang, Iconic London, and various NBA teams. Sony Music also sued Marriott in May, but that lawsuit has now been settled. Sony filed court papers earlier this week asking the suit to be dismissed with prejudice.
