In a high-stakes legal battle, Warner Music Group (WMG) has filed a $24 million lawsuit against Crumbl Cookies, accusing the rapidly growing dessert chain of widespread copyright infringement on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The complaint, lodged in a U.S. District Court in Utah on April 22, 2025, alleges that Crumbl used at least 159 of WMG’s copyrighted sound recordings and musical compositions without authorization, leveraging the music of global superstars to fuel its viral marketing campaigns.
This case underscores the escalating tension between businesses and music rights holders in the age of social media-driven branding.
WMG’s lawsuit claims that Crumbl misappropriated music from artists such as Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Mariah Carey, and Taylor Swift to enhance its promotional videos.
These videos, posted on Crumbl’s TikTok and Instagram accounts, allegedly featured full-length audio tracks, often spotlighting the “hook or chorus” of popular songs to maximize engagement.
The lawsuit highlights specific examples, including Lil Mosey’s “Blueberry Faygo” paired with a blueberry cheesecake cookie promotion, Coldplay’s “Yellow” for yellow sugar cookies, and BTS’ “Butter” for Kentucky butter cake.
“Defendants have misappropriated at least 159 of the most popular and valuable sound recordings and musical compositions in the market, using those creative works to build [Crumbl’s] brand profile and drive massive sales to Defendants without any compensation to [WMG],” the lawsuit states.
By syncing high-profile music with its visually appealing cookie content, Crumbl allegedly amplified its social media reach, which boasts millions of followers, without securing proper licenses.
The lawsuit further alleges that Crumbl extended its infringing activities through partnerships with social media influencers. These influencers, rewarded with “perks and rewards” such as paid initiatives, were recruited to create and share promotional content featuring WMG’s music, driving traffic to Crumbl’s social media pages. “Crumbl draws each of these influencers’ followers to Crumbl’s social media pages and to the Crumbl Videos,” the complaint reads, accusing the company of orchestrating a deliberate strategy to exploit copyrighted material.
WMG claims that Crumbl’s actions persisted despite a cease-and-desist letter sent in 2023. The music giant points to a January 2024 TikTok video in which Crumbl acknowledged legal constraints, stating, “We were gonna make a funny video to promote Mystery Cookie, but legal said we can’t use any trending audios.” This admission, WMG argues, demonstrates Crumbl’s awareness of its infringing behavior, reinforcing allegations of “willfulness” in the lawsuit.
WMG is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work, totaling a potential $23.85 million for the 159 alleged violations. Additionally, the company requests a permanent injunction to prevent Crumbl from further unauthorized use of its music. The scale of the damages reflects the significant commercial value of the songs involved, which are among the most recognizable and lucrative in WMG’s catalog.
The lawsuit arrives at a pivotal moment for Crumbl, a Utah-based company founded in 2017 that has grown from a single store to over 1,000 locations worldwide, employing more than 29,000 people. With a reported valuation of $2 billion as it explores a potential sale, Crumbl’s legal troubles could impact its financial standing and public image, particularly as it navigates the competitive dessert market.
This case highlights the growing friction between businesses and music rights holders over the use of copyrighted material on social media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become critical marketing tools, but their reliance on music to create viral content has sparked legal disputes.
Music labels and publishers, including WMG, are increasingly vigilant about enforcing licensing agreements, as unauthorized use can deprive artists and rights holders of significant revenue.
Crumbl’s case is not isolated. Similar lawsuits have targeted brands and influencers for using unlicensed music, with settlements often reaching millions. The music industry’s push for compliance is evident in WMG’s aggressive stance, which serves as a warning to other companies leveraging “trending audios” without proper authorization. As one industry observer noted on X, “Brands need to understand that music isn’t free for commercial use—licensing matters.”
Crumbl’s meteoric rise, fueled by its rotating menu of gourmet cookies and savvy social media strategy, has made it a cultural phenomenon. Its TikTok and Instagram accounts, with millions of followers, showcase aesthetically pleasing videos that pair cookies with catchy music, a formula that has driven brand loyalty and foot traffic.
However, WMG’s lawsuit threatens to disrupt this strategy, potentially forcing Crumbl to overhaul its content creation process and secure costly licenses moving forward.
The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how brands navigate music licensing in social media marketing. If WMG prevails, Crumbl could face not only substantial financial penalties but also reputational damage as it seeks to maintain its growth trajectory. Conversely, a settlement or dismissal could allow Crumbl to refocus on its expansion plans, including its reported $2 billion sale exploration.
Warner Music Group’s $24 million lawsuit against Crumbl Cookies underscores the high stakes of music licensing in the digital age.
By allegedly using 159 copyrighted works without permission, Crumbl capitalized on the star power of artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to build its brand, but at the cost of legal exposure.
As the case unfolds in Utah’s federal court, it will test the boundaries of fair use, influencer marketing, and corporate accountability.
For Crumbl, the lawsuit is a critical challenge that could reshape its social media strategy and financial future, while for WMG, it’s a bold stand to protect the value of its music catalog.
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