Warner Music Group Slaps Crumbl with Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
Warner Music Group (WMG) has taken legal action against the popular dessert brand Crumbl, alleging copyright infringement related to music featured in social media content. As reported by Music Business Worldwide, the lawsuit encompasses 159 videos posted on Crumbl’s platforms, where WMG claims that music from its artists was used without proper permission.
Details of the Lawsuit
In the complaint, WMG is seeking substantial damages, requesting $150,000 in statutory penalties for each infringing video. If the court grants the maximum damages for all 159 instances, the total could reach an impressive $23.85 million.
Allegations Against Crumbl
The allegations highlight how Crumbl, a brand that strategically utilizes social media for marketing, allegedly created numerous videos featuring songs by prominent WMG artists. Examples cited include the track “Blueberry Faygo” by Lil Mosey, which was used in a promotional video for blueberry cheesecake cookies, and Coldplay’s “Yellow,” which accompanied a video showcasing yellow sugar cookies.
Cease-and-Desist and Continued Violations
WMG asserts that it sent a cease-and-desist notice to Crumbl back in August 2023. However, despite this notice, Crumbl is claimed to have continued sharing content that infringes on copyrights. A TikTok video posted in January 2024 hints at ongoing legal troubles, where Crumbl acknowledged, “We were gonna make a funny video to promote Mystery Cookie, but legal said we can’t use any trending audios.”
Crumbl’s Financial Maneuvers
Complicating matters for Crumbl, the company is reportedly considering a sale that could be valued at around $2 billion, as cited by Reuters earlier this year. This potential financial landscape adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing legal battle with WMG.
Conclusion
The outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. With significant financial stakes involved, both WMG and Crumbl are likely to navigate this complex situation carefully. Stakeholders in the music and food industries will be watching closely as the case progresses.