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Kroger Sued for Using Top Hits Without License
24 Aug
Summary
- Sony Music accuses Kroger of 400 unauthorized music uses.
- Pop hits from artists like Harry Styles used in ads.
- Lawsuit claims Kroger ignored music licensing rules.
Sony Music has initiated legal action against Kroger, alleging the supermarket chain extensively used its music catalog in social media advertisements without authorization. The complaint details nearly 400 instances where Kroger purportedly used sound recordings owned by Sony in posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The lawsuit specifies popular tracks from artists including Harry Styles, Mariah Carey, and Miley Cyrus. Sony contends that Kroger's use of these songs, often chosen for their cultural relevance and trending status, was a deliberate strategy to enhance advertising effectiveness and drive sales.
This legal dispute highlights a broader trend of major music labels suing commercial entities for alleged copyright infringement on social media. Numerous other companies have faced similar accusations or settled privately. Kroger's alleged actions are seen by Sony as a violation of copyright law, particularly as the company had previously engaged in licensing agreements for music use.
Examples cited in the suit include using Harry Styles' "Watermelon Sugar" in a watermelon advertisement and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" alongside holiday cocktail recipes. Sony argues these specific choices were calculated to capitalize on seasonal associations and boost product appeal, which necessitates a license fee.
Recent trending hits, such as Miley Cyrus' "Flowers" and Doja Cat's "Paint The Town Red," were allegedly featured when they reached peak popularity. The music label insists these unauthorized uses exploit the artistry and entertainment value of its recordings to gain algorithmic advantages on social media platforms.
