Nearly four months after a jury ruled that Monster Beverage Corp. must pay The Beastie Boys $1.7 million after ruling against the energy drink giant in long-running dispute over alleged unauthorized use of the rap group’s songs, two music publishers are seeking similar compensation.
According to Pitchfork.com, Capitol Records and Universal-Polygram International Publishing, each an affiliate of Universal Music Group, have sued Monster based on the company’s use of five Beastie Boys songs in a 2012 music video promoting its energy brand. The Beastie Boys, who since the death of member Adam Yauch in 2012, have prohibited the use their songs in advertising, and while the group had sought $2.5 million, Capitol and Universal-Polygram want Monster to pay $1.2 million in damages.
Monster has yet to comment on the new lawsuit, but having said that it “strongly disagree[s} with” the ruling in the initial case, the company would appeal the verdict.