US hip-hop group, the Beastie Boys, have issued proceedings against Brinker International, owner of restaurant chain Chili’s, for using their song “Sabotage” in its latest social media campaign without the group’s permission. The Beastie Boys’ complaint, filed in a New York district court, is on the basis of copyright infringement and unfair competition arising from Chili’s alleged unlicenced use of the iconic 1994 single.
In their filing, the Beastie Boys allege Brinker International’s new social media ad campaign uses substantial parts of “Sabotage” and copies elements of the song’s music video which they assert is intended to parody the video and give the false impression that the group endorses Chili’s.
The Beastie Boys are reportedly seeking around $150,000 in damages and seeking the removal of the infringing videos from the various Chili’s social media platforms. The group are also seeking an order to prevent any further unlicenced use of their songs by Brinker International.
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