Universal Music Group has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against e-commerce platform Quince, citing the unauthorized commercial use of over 100 tracks across hundreds of TikTok and Instagram posts. The complaint alleges that Quince systematically exploited trending audio algorithms, circumventing platform-provided commercial music libraries to utilize restricted viral tracks from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean. UMG is pursuing the maximum statutory penalty of $150,000 per infringement, potentially driving total damages well past the $15 million mark. Despite receiving formal notifications in late 2024, Quince reportedly continued publishing unlicensed syncs through early 2026.
This litigation underscores a broader industry pivot toward rigorous sync enforcement against corporate entities on short-form video platforms. As rights holders scale their tracking and audio-detection capabilities, brands treating consumer-tier music catalogs as free native advertising face escalating legal liabilities. This aggressive enforcement will likely force a structural shift in how influencer marketing agencies and direct-to-consumer brands approach social media clearances.
Curated by MusicResearch.com from Billboard Pro. Read the full article at: UMG Sues Quince Over Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean Songs in TikTok Posts: ‘Rampant and Brazen’
