The Beastie Boys, the rap rock trio known for their innovative blend of hip hop and rock, have turned up the heat on Brinker International, the owner of Chili’s chain of restaurants.
The band recently filed a lawsuit in a New York federal district court alleging that Brinker used “musical compositions and sound recordings” of their chart-topper single “Sabotage” in a series of Chili’s social media ads without permission, falsely implying the Beastie Boys’ endorsement of the chain.
Facts of the case
According to the complaint, Chili’s ads not only included the song “Sabotage” without authorization but also contained clips from the group’s official “Sabotage” video, which was nominated for the MTV Music Video Awards in 5 categories back in 1994. The complaint states:
Brinker synchronized Plaintiffs’ “Sabotage” musical composition and sound recording with other visual material in the Unauthorized Chili’s Video, in which three characters wearing obvious 70s-style wigs, fake mustaches, and sunglasses who were intended to evoke the three members of Beastie Boys performed scenes depicting them “robbing” ingredients from a Chili’s” restaurant intercut with fictitious opening credits, in ways obviously similar to and intended to evoke in the minds of the public scenes from Plaintiff’s well-known… Official “Sabotage” video.
The lawsuit claims copyright infringement and violations of the Lanham Act (which governs trademarks and false advertising) seeking a minimum of $150,000 in damages and a court order to stop Brinker from further use of their work.
Why the lawsuit is important
The Beastie Boys, who disbanded in 2012 following the passing of its member Adam “MCA” Yauch, have always been adamant about not allowing their music to be used for advertising purposes, furthermore, Yauch made a provision in his will prohibiting it as well. It’s a stance that aligns with their punk rock roots and anti-establishment ethos.
As Mike D once said, “We don’t license our songs for products. It’s a form of selling out.”
It’s interesting to note that this isn’t the first time the Beastie Boys have taken legal action to protect their intellectual property rights. In 2014, the band won $1.7 million after a jury verdict against Monster Beverage Corp for the unauthorized use of their music.
Beastie Boys trivia
Formed in New York City in 1981, the Beastie Boys—consisting of Michael “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz—were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Their 1994 album “Ill Communication,” featuring the hit single “Sabotage,” is considered a classic, with its music video parodying 1970s cop shows. It was also the first rap album to top the Billboard 200 chart.
The Beastie Boys was the first white rap group to gain mainstream success and played a major role in expanding rap’s audience. The band has sold over 20 million records domestically.
This lawsuit serves as a reminder that even after a band has called it quits, their music and legacy remain fiercely protected. The Beastie Boys may have hung up their mics, but they’re not afraid to fight for their right to creative control. As for Chili’s, they might want to stick to serving up their signature spicy dishes instead of cooking up legal trouble with unauthorized musical ingredients.