October 9, 2024 — In a significant legal move reflecting the ongoing challenges of music copyright in social media marketing, Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a lawsuit against Brinker International, the parent company of the US Tex-Mex restaurant chain Chili’s. The complaint, lodged in federal court in Dallas on October 8, accuses the restaurant chain of using copyrighted music without proper authorization in various social media advertising campaigns.
UMG’s lawsuit asserts that Chili’s has failed to compensate the music rights holders for songs used as the backdrop for advertisements on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The complaint identifies several high-profile artists whose works were allegedly exploited, including ABBA, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Shania Twain, and the Spice Girls. It also cites copyright infringements related to recordings from The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey, along with a publishing violation for Free’s classic “All Right Now.”
Chili’s has faced scrutiny before over its marketing practices, and this lawsuit highlights the increasing risks businesses encounter when integrating popular music into their advertising strategies. UMG’s legal action comes as part of a growing trend, where music rights organizations are cracking down on unauthorized use of their catalogs, particularly on social media, which has become a primary marketing tool for many brands.
As of mid-2024, Chili’s operates 1,214 locations throughout the United States, with the majority being company-owned, and 344 international locations, mostly franchises. In its latest financial report, Brinker International announced revenues of $4.42 billion for the fiscal year ending June 26, 2024.
Recent discussions in the industry also point to a heightened awareness of copyright compliance as brands increasingly turn to social media for promotional content. Experts suggest that this lawsuit could encourage other companies to reassess their marketing practices to avoid similar legal repercussions.
As the case unfolds, it may set important precedents regarding the intersection of the music industry and social media marketing, potentially leading to more stringent regulations on how businesses can utilize copyrighted material in their campaigns. UMG has not specified any requested damages, but the outcome could significantly impact how brands approach music licensing moving forward.
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