Black Keys Sue For Unauthorized Use Of "Howlin'" In Casino Ads

Carney et al. v. Chesky Records, Inc., No. 13-cv-0405 (S.D.N.Y. filed Jan. 17, 2013) (Batts, J.)

The Black Keys sued in New York federal court  "to put an immediate stop to, and to obtain redress for, Defendant's blatant and purposeful infringement of the copyright in Plaintiffs' musical composition entitled 'Howlin' For You'."  (Complaint, para. 1).  Defendants allegedly created and publicized commercial advertisements for casinos which prominently feature significant portions of the composition without authorization.  Plaintiffs' claims are for copyright infringement, false designation of origin (under section 43(a) of the Lanham Act), and common law unfair competition.

Black Keys Settle Commercial Claims Against Pizza Hut and Home Depot

Auerbach v. The Home Depot, 12-cv-05386 (C.D. Cal. doc. 23 filed 11/13/2012); and Auerbach v. Pizza Hut, Inc., 12-cv-05385 (C.D. Cal. doc. 27 filed 11/9/12).

The Black Keys have settled their lawsuit against the Home Depot and Pizza Hut for the alleged unauthorized use of Black Keys songs in commercials.

Black Keys Sue Over Song In Commercials

Daniel Auerbach et al. v. The Home Depot, Inc., No. 2:12-cv-05386 (C.D. Cal. filed 06/21/12) [Doc.1]

The Black Keys sued the Home Depot, and in a related action Pizza Hut, for the alleged unauthorized use of the single "Lonely Boy" (released 2011) in commercials.  The sole cause of action is for copyright infringement.

Black Keys' Sue Over Commercial

Dan Auerbach; Patrick Carney dba McMoore McLessT Publishing v. Della Femina/Rothschild/Jeary Partners; Della Femina & Gianettino Inc.; Valley National Bancorp; Valley National Bank, Index No. 1:11 CV 4902 (S.D.N.Y. filed 7/15/2011).

The Black Keys (in the author's opinion, the pride of Akron, Ohio!) bring a copyright infringement action for defendants' unauthorized use of their song "Tighten Up" in a television commercial. Plaintiffs allege defendants incorporated significant portions of the copyrighted recording without first obtaining plaintiffs' consent or a license.