Copyright infringement and legal actions
So, Warner Music Group has thrown a legal challenge at Crumbl Cookies, asserting that the cookie company has been utilizing their copyrighted songs without paying the required royalties. They’re seeking an astounding $24 million in damages — certainly not petty change, right?
As stated by Warner, Crumbl has been filling their TikTok and Instagram reels with music from the label’s artists, all while failing to obtain the necessary rights. That’s a massive no-no in copyright terms. WMG alleges that numerous protected tracks have been featured in Crumbl’s social media efforts to market their cookies, which, let’s be real, are incredibly delicious — but clearly not exempt from legal scrutiny.
The lawsuit has been lodged in a federal court in California and contains claims that Crumbl persisted in using the music even after receiving warnings. It’s a bit like advising your buddy not to tackle the reef break during a closure, then watching him paddle out anyway.
Warner is taking this matter very seriously, not only because of the music involved but also because they claim Crumbl’s extensive social media presence provides them with a competitive advantage — entirely based on music they didn’t compensate for. Truly, that’s not how the music industry operates. They’re asking for statutory damages and a permanent injunction to prevent Crumbl from using any more of their music without consent.
So, the takeaway for any Aussie musicians or indie brands considering using tracks in their posts — ensure your licensing is handled, or you might end up in hot water with the big labels.
Alleged breaches and social media behavior
Crumbl’s TikTok and Instagram presence is impressive — no doubt. Their sugary posts garner millions of views, showcasing gooey cookies being pulled apart in slow-motion, all paired with trending songs. But here’s the catch: Warner Music believes a significant number of those songs are from their catalog, and not a dime was paid for this privilege. That’s akin to walking into a convenience store, grabbing a pie, and dashing out without paying — cheeky, yet illegal.
WMG’s lawsuit highlights that Crumbl’s social media approach heavily relies on music to set the tone — you know, that vibe that makes you salivate and dance a little. They assert that Crumbl employed popular tracks from major artists to add flair to their posts, all while avoiding licensing requirements. That’s a strict no-no, especially when you’re amassing millions of followers and turning viral content into serious cookie revenue.
What really burnt WMG’s marshmallows is that even after being given a warning about the improper use of music, Crumbl allegedly continued. That’s like being called out for dropping in on a wave and then paddling right back to take another shot. Not cool, and certainly not legal.
While social media may sometimes feel lawless, the suits are keeping a close eye — especially when major labels observe their tracks being used to promote chocolate-chip cookies without a license. WMG is pursuing this in court not merely for the money, but to set a precedent: play fair with the music, or face a legal crash.