Sony Music sues Marriott over 100s of songs used in social-media ads
By Blake Brittain
May 20 (Reuters) -Sony Music 6758.T has sued Marriott MAR.O in Delaware federal court, accusing the hotel chain in a lawsuit made public on Monday of using more than 900 of its artists' songs without permission in Marriott advertisements on social media platforms.
The lawsuit names 931 songs that Marriott and influencer partners allegedly misused, including hits by Beyonce, Michael Jackson and Harry Styles, potentially making Marriott liable for more than $139 million in statutory damages under U.S. copyright law.
Representatives for Marriott and Sony Music did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the complaint.
According to the complaint, Sony Music told Marriott in 2020 that social media pages associated with its hotels were using Sony Music recordings without its authorization. The lawsuit said Sony Music's notices have continued through this March.
Sony Music also said that Marriott's infringement is continuing, with at least 47 new instances in May alone. The complaint said that Marriott's ads "rob Sony Music of the substantial licensing revenues it is entitled to."
Sony Music asked the court for an order blocking Marriott from using its music in addition to monetary damages.
The case is Sony Music Entertainment v. Marriott International Inc, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, No. 1:24-cv-00598.
For Sony Music: Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks and David Munkittrick of Proskauer Rose
For Marriott: not yet available
Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington
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