


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.
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.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles

Policy & Legal
Feb 10, 2026
1 min read
Joe Rinaldi Appointed President of NIVA California
The organization has outlined a strategic four-pillar focus for 2026

Policy & Legal
Feb 10, 2026
1 min read
Pandora and the MLC Escalate Royalties Dispute
Each has requested summary judgment in their favor

Policy & Legal
Feb 9, 2026
1 min read
Anna’s Archive Lawsuit May Enter Default Judgement
The pirate group has failed to respond to the suit alleging it scraped 86 millions songs from Spotify

Joe Rinaldi Appointed President of NIVA California
The organization has outlined a strategic four-pillar focus for 2026

Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 10, 2026

Pandora and the MLC Escalate Royalties Dispute
Each has requested summary judgment in their favor

Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 10, 2026

Anna’s Archive Lawsuit May Enter Default Judgement
The pirate group has failed to respond to the suit alleging it scraped 86 millions songs from Spotify

Harry Levin
Policy
Feb 9, 2026

Is New York the Next Market to Introduce a Ticket Resale Cap?
Proposed legislation will prevent tickets being resold for more than face value

Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 9, 2026

Chris Brown Sued Over Rights and Royalties Dispute
Artist Steve Chokpelle claims Brown released their co-writes without crediting or paying royalties

Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 9, 2026

Spotify Releases Its Policy Roadmap
Calls for an improvement in metadata quality, safeguards against AI, and more

Rod Yates
Policy
Feb 9, 2026




