Universal Music Group (UMG) and iconic rap group Beastie Boys have each reached confidential settlements resolving their lawsuits against Chili’s parent company, Brinker International. Both lawsuits accused the restaurant chain of improperly using copyrighted music in social media advertisements without obtaining required synchronization licenses.

In separate federal court filings on May 21, attorneys for UMG and the Beastie Boys informed judges that settlements had been reached during mediation two weeks prior. Specific financial and settlement terms were not disclosed, which is typical in cases involving copyright disputes.

The lawsuits stemmed from allegations that Chili’s advertisements on social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, featured music without proper licensing. While platforms typically offer licensed music libraries for users to integrate into personal posts, businesses are required to obtain synchronization licenses to legally include music in commercial content.

The Beastie Boys initiated legal action against Brinker International in July 2024, asserting Chili’s had used their 1994 hit "Sabotage" without permission. The group, known for vigorously protecting their music from unauthorized commercial use, further objected to the advertisement’s visuals. They argued the promotional video mimicked their original "Sabotage" music video, featuring men dressed in retro disguises and staging a mock "robbery" of ingredients from a Chili’s restaurant, closely resembling the rap trio's original artistic concept.

Following the Beastie Boys’ complaint, UMG filed its lawsuit in October 2024, alleging Chili’s had unlawfully used more than 60 songs by various prominent artists, including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd, without obtaining necessary synchronization licenses.

Court documents indicate that both UMG and the Beastie Boys reached agreements "in principle" to resolve their claims. Finalization of the settlement terms is ongoing, and official closure of both cases is anticipated by early July.

Recent similar cases include litigation involving major beverage brand Bang Energy, multiple NBA teams, and a Detroit-area Ford dealership's unauthorized use of Eminem’s "Lose Yourself.”