Get the latest gossip
In Legal Battle Over Social Media Music Licenses, One Brand Is Hitting Back at UMG & Sony
In the Instagram and TikTok music licenses lawsuit, DSW hit back at UMG and Sony, saying they're trying to “bully” businesses into paying for songs.
The dispute began in May when Warner Music Group (WMG) filed a lawsuit alleging DSW’s social media posts used unlicensed songs by artists like Cardi B, Madonna and Taylor Swift. It’s worth noting, though, that TikTok’s terms of service specify that they apply only to “private, non-commercial use.” Similarly, guidelines from Instagram parent company Meta state, “Use of music for commercial or non-personal purposes in particular is prohibited unless you have obtained appropriate licenses.” The major labels’ practice of pursuing legal action over synch licenses dates back to 2021, when the big three all sued drink maker Bang Energy and obtained closely-watched court judgments.
Or read this on Billboard
