Issue No. 045 · Story 04 · August 26, 2026

Sony Music Sues Kroger Over Social Media Ads

Sony Music and affiliated labels sued Kroger and 18 current or former affiliates over alleged unlicensed use of sound recordings in social media advertising and influencer promotions.

§The complaint identifies at least 392 alleged uses across Kroger brands including Ralphs, Mariano's, Harris Teeter, Home Chef, and Murray's Cheese.
§Sony alleges that Kroger previously entered at least 14 licenses covering recordings used in advertising between 2017 and 2025.
§The suit cites recordings by Mariah Carey, OutKast, Bill Withers, Harry Styles, and Miley Cyrus.
§Sony seeks statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work, an injunction, and costs.

THE TAKEAWAY

The lawsuit extends music-rights enforcement into everyday retail marketing. It highlights the difference between music available inside a social platform and music cleared for commercial advertising by a brand or its influencers.

Source: Music Business Worldwide

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