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WMG Sues US Fashion Retailer PacSun

The label alleges unauthorized use of 290+ works on TikTok, Instagram

Warner Music Group (WMG) has hit US fashion retailer Pacific Sunwear of California, LLC (PacSun) with a copyright infringement lawsuit.

The allegations:

  • WMG alleges that PacSun has “misappropriated” at least 290 of Warner’s recordings and compositions, using them in promotional videos posted to TikTok and Instagram without permission.

  • This includes music by artists such as Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Lizzo, Cardi B and Ariana Grande.

  • Warner alleges that PacSun ignored a cease-and-desist letter sent on February 13, 2024.

  • As per the complaint, PacSun operates 350 stores across the US, and is owned by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital.

Damages:

  • Warner is seeking statutory damages of more than $43 million, equating to $150,000 per infringed musical work.

Similar cases:

  • Earlier this year WMG sued cookie company Crumbl and shoe retailer Designer Shoe Warehouse over similar allegations.

  • Sony Music sued the University of Southern California and Universal Music Group brought a lawsuit against the owner of US Tex-Mex restaurant chain Chili’s for similar reasons.

Warner Music Group (WMG) has hit US fashion retailer Pacific Sunwear of California, LLC (PacSun) with a copyright infringement lawsuit.

The allegations:

  • WMG alleges that PacSun has “misappropriated” at least 290 of Warner’s recordings and compositions, using them in promotional videos posted to TikTok and Instagram without permission.

  • This includes music by artists such as Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Lizzo, Cardi B and Ariana Grande.

  • Warner alleges that PacSun ignored a cease-and-desist letter sent on February 13, 2024.

  • As per the complaint, PacSun operates 350 stores across the US, and is owned by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital.

Damages:

  • Warner is seeking statutory damages of more than $43 million, equating to $150,000 per infringed musical work.

Similar cases:

  • Earlier this year WMG sued cookie company Crumbl and shoe retailer Designer Shoe Warehouse over similar allegations.

  • Sony Music sued the University of Southern California and Universal Music Group brought a lawsuit against the owner of US Tex-Mex restaurant chain Chili’s for similar reasons.

Warner Music Group (WMG) has hit US fashion retailer Pacific Sunwear of California, LLC (PacSun) with a copyright infringement lawsuit.

The allegations:

  • WMG alleges that PacSun has “misappropriated” at least 290 of Warner’s recordings and compositions, using them in promotional videos posted to TikTok and Instagram without permission.

  • This includes music by artists such as Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Lizzo, Cardi B and Ariana Grande.

  • Warner alleges that PacSun ignored a cease-and-desist letter sent on February 13, 2024.

  • As per the complaint, PacSun operates 350 stores across the US, and is owned by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital.

Damages:

  • Warner is seeking statutory damages of more than $43 million, equating to $150,000 per infringed musical work.

Similar cases:

  • Earlier this year WMG sued cookie company Crumbl and shoe retailer Designer Shoe Warehouse over similar allegations.

  • Sony Music sued the University of Southern California and Universal Music Group brought a lawsuit against the owner of US Tex-Mex restaurant chain Chili’s for similar reasons.

👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
  • This story was written with information from Music Business Worldwide.

  • We covered it because it’s news of a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by a major label.

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