Issue No. 064 · Story 01 · October 14, 2026

Warner Music Sues Ray-Ban and Oakley Companies Over Social Ads

Warner Music Group labels and publishers filed a New York federal lawsuit against Luxottica companies behind Ray-Ban, Oakley and other eyewear brands. The October 9 complaint alleges that promotional videos used at least 427 copyrighted recordings and compositions without permission, including music associated with Dua Lipa, Charli xcx and Bruno Mars.

§The plaintiffs allege that company accounts and commissioned influencer videos used their music to promote products without obtaining licenses or paying fees.
§The complaint asserts direct, contributory and vicarious infringement and alleges that the defendants continued using the works after two cease-and-desist letters.
§The plaintiffs seek an injunction, attorney fees and statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work. The allegations have not been adjudicated.

THE TAKEAWAY

The eyewear complaint centers on the distinction between access to music through a social platform and permission to use it in brand advertising. The claims cover both company posts and commissioned influencer content, with separate rights asserted in recordings and compositions.

Filing: ESCA Filings

Same issue

Apple Gets Limited Early Discovery in OpenAI Trade Secret Case

A California federal judge granted part of Apple's request for expedited discovery in its trade secret case against OpenAI, io Products and two former employees. The October 13 order covers specified forensic images, materials used to interview Apple employees for OpenAI hardware roles, and LINE messages between Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.

Trade Secret