Sony Music Entertainment has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against The Kroger Co., parent company of Ralphs, Mariano’s and other chains, alleging that the retailer and its subsidiaries used at least 392 of its sound recordings in social media and influencer marketing without authorization.
The complaint names 19 Kroger corporate entities as defendants, including Ralphs, Mariano’s, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer Jewelers, King Soopers, Murray’s Cheese, Ruler Foods, and meal-kit business Home Chef.
Sony states that Kroger and its subsidiaries entered into at least 14 licenses covering advertising and social media use between 2017 and 2025. Sony argues this history shows Kroger was aware that licenses were required.
Sony is seeking to stop what it describes as the “rampant infringement of Sony Music’s sound recording copyrights.”
Alleged recordings
- Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
- OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”
- Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day”
- Harry Styles’ “Golden”
- Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”
Relief sought
Sony is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work, plus an injunction and costs.
