Warner Music Group and cookie chain Crumbl have settled a copyright infringement lawsuit stemming from Crumbl’s unauthorized use of music in social media marketing. This copyright settlement ends a long-standing battle that began in April 2025.
More than 150 Recordings Illegally Used for Advertising
WMG alleged Crumbl used at least 159 protected recordings — featuring artists like Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, and Bruno Mars — in TikTok and Instagram promotional videos without licensing or compensation.
The Original Copyright Infringement Complaint
The lawsuit originated in April 2025. WMG accused the Utah-based dessert chain of achieving success by infringing copyrighted musical compositions and sound recordings on a massive scale. Allegedly, these recordings were posted in promotional content on social media platforms.
The unlicensed music was used on Instagram and TikTok, where Crumble has 6.1 million and 9.8 million followers. The complaint stated that the promotional videos containing infringing music by chart-topping stars were central to Crumbl’s marketing strategy.
Notably, Crumbl continued posting infringing content even after receiving a cease-and-desist in 2023.
Financial Terms of Copyright Settlement Unknown
Maximum potential damages totaled nearly $24 million, up to $150,000 per infringed work. Financial terms of the settlement remain undisclosed. WMG also asked for a permanent injunction prohibiting Crumbl from further copyright infringement. This resolution follows a month of finalization after their initial May agreement.
WMG Spearheads Efforts Against Unlicensed Music Used for Social Media Campaigns
The case reflects a broader wave of music industry lawsuits targeting businesses for unlicensed music use. Warner Music Group has led this battle. In May and December of last year, they sued Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) and the PacSun (Pacific Sunwear) retail clothing brand. Both lawsuits accused the companies of using more than 200 unlicensed WMG-owned compositions and sound recordings in their Instagram and TikTok marketing videos.
Music from the world’s most popular, award-winning artists is a key component of many companies’ social media marketing strategies. These recordings are instrumental in building their brand profiles. WMG’s lawsuits against the unlicensed use of music in advertising and marketing put the power back in artists’ hands. Creators (and publishers) can now decide how and where their music is used and ensure they are sufficiently compensated.