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
PacSun
Dua Lipa
Bruno Mars
Lizzo
Cardi B
Ariana Grande
Golden Gate Capital
WMG
Sony Music Entertainment (SME)
Universal Music Group (UMG)
Unlicensed Music In Advertising
Rising Tide of Music Litigation
Major Label Lawsuits
Music Copyright Litigation
Brand Liability For Platform Music
Social Media Music Licensing
Industry Litigation
Copyright Infringement
Litigation
Record Labels
Major Labels
Social Media Licensing
Policy & Legal
Unlicensed Social Media Ads
United States
👋 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.
