Warner Music just hit PacSun with a massive lawsuit over the clothing chain ripping off nearly 300 songs from artists like Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, and Cardi B in their TikTok and Instagram promo videos. The fashion retailer apparently ignored a cease-and-desist letter sent back in February and kept posting new content with unauthorized music anyway. Warner wants up to $150,000 per track, which could stack up to over $43 million if they win.
PacSun makes hundreds of millions annually and runs around 350 stores across America, targeting teens and young adults. The company blew up on social media by getting influencers to push their stuff, and one viral TikTok post alone moved 200,000 pairs of jeans for $20 million in revenue. Warner argues that both Instagram and TikTok explicitly ban commercial music use without licenses, and PacSun knew better since they actively protect their own intellectual property in other cases.
PacSun makes hundreds of millions annually and runs around 350 stores across America, targeting teens and young adults. The company blew up on social media by getting influencers to push their stuff, and one viral TikTok post alone moved 200,000 pairs of jeans for $20 million in revenue. Warner argues that both Instagram and TikTok explicitly ban commercial music use without licenses, and PacSun knew better since they actively protect their own intellectual property in other cases.
