Paint manufacturer Behr has settled a copyright lawsuit involving the Rolling Stones song “Paint It, Black” and a social media advertising campaign. The dispute drew attention across the legal industry because it highlighted the growing legal risks connected to music licensing and digital marketing.
ABKCO Music & Records, which owns rights tied to the Rolling Stones’ 1960s recordings, accused Behr of using the iconic song in an Instagram advertisement without securing a commercial license. According to court filings, the disputed post appeared on Instagram in 2022 and featured Behr paint products alongside the famous track.
Recently, both parties notified a federal court in California that they had reached a settlement agreement. However, neither side disclosed financial details connected to the resolution.
The lawsuit may have ended quietly, but the legal issues behind the case continue gaining importance. Social media advertising now plays a major role in brand marketing strategies. As a result, companies increasingly face copyright infringement risks tied to music, video, and digital content.
Key Takeaways
- Behr settled a copyright lawsuit tied to its use of the Rolling Stones song “Paint It, Black” in an Instagram advertisement.
- ABKCO Music & Records claimed the paint company used the song without proper licensing rights.
- The lawsuit highlights growing legal risks surrounding music licensing in social media marketing.
- Entertainment and intellectual property lawyers expect more copyright disputes involving digital advertising campaigns.
- The case underscores rising demand for attorneys experienced in copyright litigation, advertising law, and media compliance.
Rolling Stones Song Featured in Instagram Advertisement
“Paint It, Black” Became Central to the Legal Fight
The lawsuit centered on an Instagram advertisement promoting a “DIY coffee and wine bar” project painted using Behr products. Meanwhile, the Rolling Stones’ classic 1966 hit “Paint It, Black” reportedly played in the background of the promotional video.
ABKCO argued the advertisement created an unauthorized commercial connection between Behr and the famous rock song. The company claimed Behr never obtained permission to use the track for advertising purposes.
“Paint It, Black” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 and remains one of the Rolling Stones’ most recognizable songs decades later. Consequently, the use of the track in commercial advertising carried significant licensing implications.
Court filings stated that ABKCO discovered the social media post in 2025. The company later contacted Behr regarding the alleged copyright infringement. However, negotiations reportedly failed to resolve the dispute. As a result, ABKCO filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in November 2025.
Behr Denied Copyright Infringement Allegations
Behr denied the allegations in a February 2026 court filing. Nevertheless, both parties later chose to settle the dispute before the case reached trial.
Attorneys from
Crowell & Moring represented Behr during the litigation. Meanwhile, lawyers from
Pryor Cashman represented ABKCO Music & Records.
Although the settlement prevents further courtroom proceedings, the lawsuit still serves as a warning to brands using copyrighted music in online advertising campaigns.
Why the Behr Copyright Lawsuit Matters to Businesses
Social Media Marketing Creates New Legal Risks
The Behr lawsuit reflects broader legal challenges tied to social media advertising. Many businesses mistakenly believe songs available through Instagram or TikTok music libraries can automatically appear in commercial advertisements. However, copyright rules for businesses differ from personal or creator-based use.
Legal professionals say companies often need separate commercial licenses before using copyrighted songs in advertisements. Therefore, businesses that ignore licensing requirements may face expensive litigation and reputational harm.
Additionally, digital advertising continues expanding rapidly across industries. Brands increasingly rely on recognizable songs and trending audio clips to improve audience engagement on social media platforms. As a result, intellectual property attorneys expect more copyright litigation involving online marketing campaigns.
Entertainment lawyers also note that social media content can create legal exposure very quickly. A short video advertisement may reach millions of viewers within hours, increasing the potential value of copyright claims.
Copyright Litigation Continues to Grow
The dispute also highlights rising activity in copyright litigation involving digital content and advertising campaigns. Law firms continue expanding intellectual property and entertainment law practices as companies seek guidance on advertising compliance and licensing reviews.
Furthermore, businesses now face stronger pressure to improve legal oversight of marketing campaigns before publication. Corporate legal departments increasingly review social media advertisements for music rights, influencer disclosures, and intellectual property concerns.
The growing demand for copyright compliance work could also create career opportunities for lawyers and law students interested in entertainment law, media law, and intellectual property litigation.
Legal recruiters expect firms handling copyright disputes to continue hiring attorneys with experience in digital media, licensing negotiations, and advertising law. Meanwhile, midsize firms may also expand media and entertainment practices as social media litigation becomes more common.
Music Licensing Remains a Major Issue for Brands
Companies Cannot Assume Social Media Audio Is Cleared
One major lesson from the Behr lawsuit involves confusion surrounding social media music libraries. Many brands mistakenly assume music available on Instagram or TikTok can freely appear in commercial advertising campaigns.
However, platform-based music access often applies only to personal or creator content. Commercial advertising frequently requires separate licensing agreements with copyright owners and music publishers.
Consequently, brands using copyrighted songs without authorization may face lawsuits involving copyright infringement, trademark concerns, and unfair commercial association claims.
Intellectual property attorneys say businesses should review advertising campaigns carefully before posting content online. Companies that fail to conduct legal reviews may expose themselves to costly litigation and public scrutiny.
Digital Advertising Compliance Is Becoming More Important
The Behr dispute demonstrates how a single social media advertisement can quickly become a major legal issue. Digital campaigns now move faster than traditional advertising, which increases the need for legal compliance reviews.
Therefore, many businesses continue strengthening internal legal review procedures for influencer campaigns, music licensing, sponsored content, and branded video promotions.
Law firms advising corporate clients also expect increased demand for preventative legal counseling involving social media advertising and entertainment licensing agreements.
Settlement Ends the Case Without Public Financial Terms
Neither Behr nor ABKCO disclosed the financial terms connected to the settlement agreement. Representatives for both companies also declined public comment after the court filing.
Even so, the lawsuit remains an important example of how copyright disputes continue evolving in the digital marketing era. A single Instagram advertisement ultimately triggered federal litigation involving one of rock music’s most iconic songs.
For businesses, the lesson appears straightforward. Companies must secure proper music licensing rights before launching advertising campaigns online. Otherwise, a short promotional video can quickly lead to expensive copyright litigation.
FAQ: Behr Rolling Stones Copyright Lawsuit
Why was Behr sued over a Rolling Stones song?
ABKCO Music & Records claimed Behr used the Rolling Stones song “Paint It, Black” in an Instagram advertisement without obtaining proper licensing rights.
What was the disputed Instagram advertisement about?
The advertisement reportedly featured a DIY coffee and wine bar project painted with Behr products while the song “Paint It, Black” played in the background.
Why does music licensing matter in social media advertising?
Commercial advertisements often require separate licenses for copyrighted music. Businesses cannot assume songs available on social media platforms are automatically cleared for advertising use.
What law firms handled the Behr copyright lawsuit?
Crowell & Moring represented Behr, while
Pryor Cashman represented ABKCO Music & Records.
Why is this lawsuit important for lawyers and law students?
The case reflects growing demand for attorneys experienced in copyright litigation, entertainment law, advertising compliance, and intellectual property disputes involving digital media.
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Behr Settles Rolling Stones Copyright Lawsuit first appeared on
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