Sony Music, USC Resolve Copyright Lawsuit Over Social Media Content
Deal ends dispute over Sony tracks in USC athletics posts
Sony Music Entertainment (SME) and the University of Southern California (USC) have reached a settlement in their copyright lawsuit.
Backstory:
In March 2025 SME alleged that USC had published 283 social media posts across its athletics accounts, allegedly featuring 170 Sony-owned songs without authorization.
The tracks were by artists such as Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, AC/DC and more.
Sony was seeking statutory damages of $150,000 per infraction.
Sony alleged it had notified USC of the unauthorized use of its music several times prior to commencing legal action, dating back to June 2021.
Resolution:
Upon being notified that the case has settled, Judge Gregory H. Woods of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York discontinued the action on March 26, as per Music Business Worldwide.
The financial details were not publicly disclosed.
Beyoncé
Britney Spears
Michael Jackson
AC/DC
Gregory H. Woods
US District Court for the Southern District of New York
Music Copyright Litigation
Industry Legal Battles
Social Media Copyright Infringement
University Brand Liability
Copyright Litigation
Litigation
Legal & Litigation
Social Media Infringement
Sony Music Entertainment (SME)
Music Business Worldwide
University of Southern California
United States
New York, US
Los Angeles, US
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from Music Business Worldwide.
We covered it because it’s news of a lawsuit involving Sony Music Entertainment settling.
