Sony Music Sues University of Southern California Over Social Media Ads
Sony Music has filed a lawsuit against the University of Southern California (USC) over the unauthorized use of its copyrighted music in social media advertisements. The lawsuit, filed on March 12, 2025, accuses USC of using Sony's music without permission in promotional videos posted on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
According to the complaint, the university allegedly used songs from Sony's catalog to enhance the appeal of its social media content, aiming to attract more students and boost its image. Sony claims that these actions violate its copyrights and seeks unspecified damages and an injunction to prevent further unauthorized use of its music.
USC has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. However, this case highlights the growing tension between copyright holders and educational institutions over the use of music in digital marketing. As social media becomes an increasingly vital tool for universities to reach prospective students, the legal boundaries around the use of copyrighted material in these contexts remain a contentious issue.
The lawsuit also raises questions about the responsibility of universities to monitor and regulate the content they post online. With the rise of digital platforms, ensuring compliance with copyright laws has become a complex challenge for institutions like USC.
This legal battle could set a precedent for how music and other copyrighted materials are used in social media marketing by educational institutions, potentially affecting how universities across the U.S. approach their digital advertising strategies.
