Universal Music Group and Concord Music Group filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against direct-to-consumer fashion retailer Quince on April 16, targeting what the complaint describes as “rampant and brazen infringement” of copyrighted music across the company’s social media marketing, per Music Business Worldwide.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, lists 67 sound recordings and 71 musical compositions as an “illustrative, non-exhaustive” exhibit of allegedly infringed works. Artists whose music appears in the filing include Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, Drake, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, and Britney Spears.

A Brand Built on Influencer Marketing

Quince, officially registered as Last Brand, Inc., was founded in 2018 and generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue. The company raised a $500 million Series E in March at a $10.1 billion valuation. Social media has been central to its growth strategy. The company’s head of brand has publicly stated that Quince works with approximately 300 creators per month and relies primarily on influencers and creators to promote its products.

The complaint cites Quince job listings, including a Creative Strategy Director role, as evidence that the company exercises significant creative control over influencer content, including “providing creative direction and guidance to creators” and mandating “reshoots.”

Allegations of Willful Infringement

Plaintiffs first notified Quince of the alleged infringement via a demand letter on September 6, 2024. Quince’s counsel responded on November 4, 2024, stating that “Quince believes that it has fully addressed the copyright concerns.” 

Plaintiffs subsequently determined those representations were false, discovering additional unauthorized uses on Quince’s social media accounts, including at least seven infringing posts in March 2026 alone.

“Quince surely is aware that its conduct constitutes copyright infringement, given that it is a sophisticated, multi-billion dollar global operation,” the complaint states.

The filing also alleges that some infringing videos were tagged as containing “Original Audio” despite featuring copyrighted music, which the complaint argues demonstrates that Quince directly copied the plaintiffs’ works.

Damages Sought

The suit brings four counts: two for direct copyright infringement, plus contributory and vicarious infringement claims. Plaintiffs seek statutory damages of up to $150,000 per work infringed, along with actual damages, profits, attorneys’ fees, and a permanent injunction.

The lawsuit follows a pattern of music industry litigation against brands accused of using copyrighted music in social media marketing without licenses. Previous suits have targeted Bang Energy, Gymshark, Marriott Hotels, Crumbl, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, and PacSun, among others. Courts found Bang Energy liable for direct copyright infringement, and those rulings are cited as precedent in the Quince complaint.

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