Beastie Boys Settle with Chili’s Over Unauthorized Ad Use

In a win for artistic control, the Beastie Boys and Universal Music Group have settled their lawsuit with Chili’s parent company, Brinker International, over the unlicensed use of their iconic 1994 track “Sabotage” in a 2022 ad campaign. The commercial mimicked the song’s original Spike Jonze-directed video, complete with ‘70s cop costumes and retro flair, but skipped the crucial step of getting permission.

The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, alleged copyright infringement and unfair competition. A major point of contention? The ad violated a clear directive in the will of the late Adam Yauch, which bars commercial use of the group’s music and likeness. That’s not just preference, that’s enforceable IP direction from beyond the grave.

The terms of the May 2025 settlement remain confidential, but the court is expected to formally dismiss the case by early July. The takeaway is clear: IP laws don’t just protect ownership, they protect intention.

Why it matters:

• Commercial use of copyrighted work must be cleared, parody or not.
• Artist wills can carry serious legal weight.
• Settlements don’t erase damage to brand integrity.

For artists, musicians, and creators, this case is a reminder: your voice and vision aren’t just creative, they’re legal assets worth defending.

Book a Creative Consult to start protecting what you’ve built. And for more resources made with artists in mind, visit our publishing arm at The Creative Docket.