Issue No. 049 · Story 02 · September 4, 2026

Tesla Must Face Copyright Claim Over Elon Musk Repost

A California federal judge refused to dismiss a contributory copyright claim alleging that Elon Musk amplified an unauthorized drone video by reposting it on X while communicating about Tesla's diner expansion plans.

§Photographer James Quilici alleges that another X user uploaded his drone video without permission and credited WC Drone Productions.
§Musk reposted the video with comments about Tesla opening diners in major cities and at Supercharger sites.
§The court found it plausible at the pleading stage that Musk acted with authority on Tesla's behalf.
§The court also found that the credit line and later notice could support allegations of knowledge and willfulness.

THE TAKEAWAY

The ruling allows a secondary liability theory based on a corporate leader's social media amplification to proceed. It places account use, agency, attribution, and notice at the center of a brand content dispute.

Source: PPC Land

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