About

UMG and Concord sue Quince over alleged unlicensed music in social media ads

Published
Score
9

Why it matters

Universal Music Group, Concord Music Group, and related publishing entities sued fashion retailer Quince in federal court in Northern California, alleging systematic copyright infringement across the company's social media marketing. The complaint accuses Quince and its influencer partners of using copyrighted sound recordings and compositions in promotional TikToks, Instagram posts, and other videos without permission, then reposting or amplifying that content on Quince's own channels. Named plaintiffs include UMG Recordings, Capitol Records, Concord Music Group, and multiple Universal Music Publishing entities. The suit alleges direct, contributory, and vicarious copyright infringement and seeks statutory damages, actual damages, profits, attorneys' fees, and a permanent injunction.

The complaint centers on Quince's use of trending audio and platform music libraries in commercial content, claiming those libraries do not automatically clear music for brand advertising. According to the filing, Quince received a cease-and-desist letter in September 2024 but continued the practice through March 2026. The complaint lists dozens of allegedly infringed recordings and compositions by artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Justin Bieber, Fleetwood Mac, and Britney Spears. The full scope of the allegations and Quince's response remain undisclosed.

The case exposes a growing liability trap for brands using creator marketing: platform audio libraries often do not clear music for commercial use, yet brands face potential liability not only for their own posts but also for influencer content they direct, compensate, or amplify. Attorneys advising retailers and consumer brands should review their social media licensing practices and influencer agreements now, particularly regarding music clearance for paid promotional content.

mail Subscribe to Intellectual Property email updates

Primary sources. No fluff. Straight to your inbox.

Also on LawSnap