Brief
Warner Music sues EssilorLuxottica for $64 million over unlicensed song use
The complaint alleges the eyewear giant used tracks by Taylor Swift, Drake and others in ads reaching millions.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Warner Music Group (WMG) filed a lawsuit on Oct. 9 accusing Italian eyewear conglomerate EssilorLuxottica of using 427 of its copyrighted works in social‑media advertisements without paying licences, seeking $64 million in statutory damages.
What happened
The complaint says EssilorLuxottica, which owns Ray‑Ban, Oakley and Sunglasses Hut, displayed Ray‑Ban glasses in a store in Downtown Brooklyn on Aug. 10, 2026 and then ran videos on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube that featured songs from WMG’s catalogue. The ads allegedly reached more than 36 million followers.
What the reports add
Billboard notes the lawsuit lists songs such as Charli xc’s “Apple,” Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now,” Drake’s “0 to 100/The Catch Up,” Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been,” Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me” and Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode.” It also cites compositions published by Warner Chappell.
What was said
The filing states, “Defendants used the Plaintiffs’ copyrighted works to build their brand profiles and drive sales without paying any compensation to Plaintiffs.” The complaint adds the defendants “deprived Plaintiffs and their artists and songwriters of the ability to control how and where their art is used.”
How it came about
WMG’s suit follows a broader industry crackdown on commercial use of unlicensed music on social platforms. While individual users rely on blanket licences, brands must obtain synch licences for commercial accounts, a point highlighted in recent legal actions against companies such as Chili’s and Marriott.
Key facts
- Warner Music Group sued EssilorLuxottica for $64 million in statutory damages. (billboard.com)
- The lawsuit alleges 427 copyrighted works were used without licences. (billboard.com)
- Ads featuring the music reached over 36 million followers on major social platforms. (billboard.com)
- Songs cited include tracks by Taylor Swift, Drake, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Charli xc and Travis Scott. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “Warner Music Sues Ray-Ban Owner for $64 Million Over Unlicensed Social Media Ad Synchs”
