Companies

Beastie Boys Initiate Legal Battle Against Chili's Parent Company Over 'Sabotage' Track Use in Ads

Published July 14, 2024

The Beastie Boys, a renowned hip-hop group, are embroiled in a legal dispute over the unauthorized use of their music. The group has filed a federal lawsuit in New York against Brinker International, the parent company of Chili's, under the stock ticker EAT. They allege that the restaurant chain's parent company utilized portions of their iconic song 'Sabotage' in social media advertisements without their permission, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter.

Protecting Their Musical Legacy

The Beastie Boys have a storied history in the music industry, with 'Sabotage' being one of their most famous tracks. The group's commitment to safeguarding their music's integrity became evident when news of the lawsuit broke, spotlighting issues around copyright infringement and artists' rights. Brinker International, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is now facing legal action for the alleged infringement.

Implications for Brinker International

As a multi-brand restaurant company, Brinker International operates and franchises various dining venues both domestically and internationally. The lawsuit represents not just a potential legal setback but also a public relations challenge, as the company navigates the complexities of intellectual property law in the highly visible court of public opinion as well as the legal system. The outcome of the lawsuit may have far-reaching implications not only for Brinker's corporate image but also for the broader restaurant industry's use of copyrighted music in marketing materials.

BeastieBoys, Lawsuit, Copyright