Kobalt Sues NBA Teams Over Song Rights: A Call for Fair Pay and Copyright Protection.

Kobalt Music Publishing Group has filed a lawsuit against 14 NBA teams, including the New York Knicks, for unauthorized use of artists' songs in video promotions. This legal action highlights a critical issue: fair pay and protection of creative works.

The complaint alleges 23 tracks were used without proper authorization on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and NBA.com. Notable songs include Dua Lipa’s "Don’t Start Now" and Busta Rhymes’ "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See."

NBA teams, well aware of the importance of protecting intellectual property, appear to have overlooked copyright licensing norms, potentially leading to significant financial consequences.

The cost of securing licenses is minimal compared to potential fines—up to $150,000 per song for infringement. This lawsuit underscores the need for diligent copyright due diligence and respect for the creative labor that powers the entertainment industry.