Universal Music and Beastie Boys Reach Confidential Settlements with Chili’s Over Unauthorized Social Ads
Major Players Involved
In a significant turn of events, Universal Music Group (UMG) and the iconic Beastie Boys have settled lawsuits against the popular restaurant chain Chili’s. These legal actions stemmed from allegations that Chili’s utilized their music for social media ads without proper authorization.
Confidential Resolutions Unveiled
On May 21, federal court documents revealed that Brinker International, the owner of Chili’s, agreed to confidential settlements with both UMG and the Beastie Boys. This resolution came about after a mediation session held two weeks prior, though specific terms of the settlements remain undisclosed, which is standard in such cases.
The Allegations: Unauthorized Use of Copyrighted Music
In 2024, both UMG and the Beastie Boys took the bold step of filing lawsuits against Brinker. They accused Chili’s of using copyrighted music in ads on platforms like TikTok and Instagram without obtaining necessary synchronization licenses. These licenses are essential for brands wishing to incorporate music into any promotional content.
A Distinctive Case for the Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys have long been known for their aversion to commercializing their music. In a lawsuit filed in July, they claimed that Chili’s featured their legendary 1994 track “Sabotage” in a promotional video without permission. To make matters worse, the advertisement depicted three men in 70s-inspired wigs, fake mustaches, and sunglasses, performing a comedic “robbery” of food items—a visual that closely mirrored the aesthetics of their original music video for "Sabotage."
UMG’s Broad Allegations Against Chili’s
UMG followed suit with its own lawsuit in October, claiming that over 60 songs from various renowned artists were used in Chili’s social media advertisements without authorization. The list of artists included heavyweights like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, and The Weeknd.
Moving Towards Closure
Recent court filings indicate that both UMG and the Beastie Boys have reached agreements "in principle" to resolve their claims against Brinker. Finalization of these settlement arrangements is currently underway, with both lawsuits expected to close by early July.
Industry Implications
As this case concludes, it highlights a growing trend where brands are facing legal challenges from artists and music companies over unauthorized use of copyrighted material in advertising. Just in recent years, numerous brands have encountered lawsuits over similar issues, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny of intellectual property rights in the age of social media.
Looking Ahead
While a representative from UMG declined to comment on the settlements, the Beastie Boys and Brinker have not made any public statements regarding the issue. The ramifications of these settlements are likely to influence how brands navigate music licensing in their digital marketing strategies moving forward.
For more insights on music licensing and copyright laws, check out resources on Billboard and Music Business Worldwide.
In an age where music is integral to branding, following the rules of copyright is essential for businesses looking to leverage popular tracks in their advertising efforts. As this case concludes, it serves as a stark reminder: proper licensing is not just legal, it is crucial for brand integrity.
