Sony Music Sues Kroger, Alleging Unlicensed Use of Recordings in Social Ads

Sony Music Entertainment is suing The Kroger Co., alleging at least 392 unauthorized uses of its sound recordings across Kroger’s social media accounts and influencer marketing. Sony is seeking to stop what it describes as the “rampant infringement of Sony Music’s sound recording copyrights.”

The defendants:

• Named as defendants in the suit are 19 Kroger corporate entities, including Ralphs, Mariano’s, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer Jewelers, King Soopers, Murray’s Cheese, Ruler Foods, and meal-kit business Home Chef.

Licensing history:

• Sony says Kroger and its subsidiaries entered into at least 14 licenses covering advertising and social media use between 2017 and 2025, arguing this demonstrates Kroger knew licenses were required.

Recordings at issue:

• Alleged uses include Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” OutKast’s “Hey Ya!,” Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” Harry Styles’ “Golden,” and Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers.”

Damages:

• Sony is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work, plus an injunction and costs.