Sony Music Takes Kroger to Court Over Unlicensed Music in Ads

Sony Music just filed suit against Kroger, claiming the supermarket chain ran social media ads featuring tracks by Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, and Outkast without proper licensing. According to the label, it's part of a pattern of what they're calling "rampant infringement."

This isn't some niche beef—it's the latest in a growing wave of music licensing disputes between major labels and big corporations. Brands have been getting sloppy about clearing music for social content, and the industry is finally holding them accountable.

The case highlights a real tension in how companies think about music rights online. A viral TikTok or Instagram spot might seem low-stakes compared to a Super Bowl commercial, but the label still owns the composition and recording—and artists still need to get paid. Sony's not wrong to push back here.

Expect more of these lawsuits. Labels are done letting corporations rack up millions in engagement off hits without cutting checks. It's a messy situation, but the precedent matters.

Read the full story at Billboard → https://www.billboard.com/pro/sony-music-sues-kroger-over-songs-on-social-media/