Editors' Picks

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BJs Restaurants Names Monika Saxena Brand President

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Jun 17, 2026

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Hungry Howies Names Jimmy Simonte EVP of Marketing

Hungry Howie's has appointed Jimmy Simonte as Executive Vice President of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of Domino's experience to the Michigan-born pizza brand as it undergoes a major technology overhaul and prepares to launch a new loyalty programme.

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Jun 17, 2026

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Blue Bottle Coffee Launches Cold Espresso Without Machines

Blue Bottle Coffee has introduced Kyoto-Style Espresso, a slow-drip cold espresso made without machines, launching across its 152 global locations on June 16 with seven new cold drinks designed specifically for the way modern customers order coffee.

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Jun 17, 2026

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Starbucks CFO Hands Off Principal Accounting Role

Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is transferring her principal accounting officer role to Val Bauduin, who will continue serving as SVP of corporate finance and development while reporting to Smith amid the chain's ongoing turnaround.

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Jun 17, 2026

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Scooters Coffee Offers BOGO Deal for Fathers Day

Scooter's Coffee is running a buy-one-get-one drink offer from June 19 to 21, available exclusively through its mobile app after 11 a.m.- giving customers three days to treat dad to a free drink this Father's Day weekend.

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Jun 16, 2026

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Dennys Throws Out Mealtime Rules With New Clock Off Menu

Denny's is launching The Clock's Off Menu on June 24, combining breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites available any time of day, alongside new Slammin' Meal Deals Under $10 and exciting rewards for new members.

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Jun 16, 2026

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McDonald Canada Names Jennifer DelVecchio as New CMO

McDonald's Canada has appointed Jennifer DelVecchio as its new Chief Marketing Officer effective June 16, bringing her global expertise and deep Canadian market understanding to lead the brand's next chapter of marketing innovation and growth.

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Twin Peaks Franchisees Chart Path to Own the Brand

A group of Twin Peaks franchisees has been named strategic advisor to the chain's new owners following its sale out of bankruptcy, with a clear path to acquiring the brand outright within the next 12 to 16 months.

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Jun 16, 2026

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Yum Brands Sells Pizza Hut in 2.7 Billion Dollar Deal

Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut through two separate transactions totalling $2.7 billion, with Long Range Capital acquiring the global business for $1.5 billion and Yum China Holdings purchasing the China operations for $1.2 billion.

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Jun 16, 2026

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Jamba Announces 1 Dollar Small Smoothies on National Smoothie Day

Jamba is celebrating National Smoothie Day on June 21 with $1 small smoothies, Golden Ticket scratch-offs, and a full weekend of exciting deals running from June 20 through June 22 at participating locations nationwide.

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Jun 16, 2026

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Understanding Copyright Infringement in the Music Industry: A Case Study of Beastie Boys vs. Brinker International Inc.

Explore the legal battle between Beastie Boys and Brinker International Inc. over copyright infringement of the song 'Sabotage' in social-media ads. Learn about trademark rights and the importance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry.

Updated On Jul. 12, 2024Published Jul. 12, 2024
Anastasia Ivers

Anastasia Ivers

boy in blue and yellow hoodie looking out the window

Photo by Maki

Background of the Case

The Beastie Boys, a renowned hip-hop group, have taken legal action against Brinker International Inc., alleging that Chili's Grill & Bar, a subsidiary of Brinker, used their hit song 'Sabotage' in social-media advertisements without proper authorization. This infringement prompted the Beastie Boys to file a federal lawsuit in New York, claiming that Brinker utilized significant portions of 'Sabotage' and replicated elements of the song's iconic music video.

Legal Allegations and Previous Cases

In their lawsuit, the Beastie Boys accused Brinker of copyright infringement and violating their trademark rights by using 'Sabotage' in a 2022 Chili's social-media ad. This legal dispute is not the first time the Beastie Boys have defended their intellectual property rights. In 2014, the group won a $1.7 million case against Monster Energy drink for unauthorized use of their music. The current lawsuit seeks at least $150,000 in damages and requests a restraining order against Brinker from further unauthorized use of their work.

Importance of Trademark Rights and Intellectual Property

The Beastie Boys' legal action against Brinker underscores the critical importance of safeguarding trademark rights and intellectual property in the music industry. Unauthorized use of copyrighted material not only violates the rights of artists but also undermines the value and integrity of their creative work. By enforcing their trademark rights, artists like the Beastie Boys protect their legacy and ensure fair compensation for their artistry.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1547226725-81288dc18f98?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1fHxCZWFzdGllJTIwQm95c3xlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzIwODA5MTUxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3

Photo by Maki

Implications and Legal Consequences

The lawsuit highlights the potential legal consequences companies face when using copyrighted material without permission. Infringing on intellectual property rights can lead to significant financial penalties, as demonstrated by the Beastie Boys' pursuit of monetary damages from Brinker. Moreover, violating trademark rights can damage a brand's reputation and result in legal actions that tarnish its standing in the industry.