Behr Paint Sued by ABKCO Over Use of Rolling Stones’ ‘Paint It Black’ (EXCLUSIVE)
In a high-stakes legal showdown, Behr Paint Company—a major player in the home improvement sector—has been hit with a lawsuit by ABKCO Music & Records, the rights holder to The Rolling Stones’ classic “Paint It Black.” The suit claims the company used the song unlawfully in a recent ad campaign, igniting a dispute over copyright infringement and brand licensing.
The Lawsuit: Key Allegations
Exclusive court documents obtained by NextMinuteNews reveal that ABKCO filed the complaint in a New York federal court, accusing Behr of using “Paint It Black” in a promotional campaign without securing synchronization rights—a mandatory license for music in visual media.
The ad, which promoted Behr’s new dark-hued paint collection, allegedly featured the song’s iconic guitar riff and lyrical references, closely tying the track to the brand’s marketing. ABKCO seeks significant damages, including unpaid licensing fees and a share of Behr’s profits from the campaign.
Why This Case Is Significant
Beyond royalties, this lawsuit could reshape how brands use classic rock songs in advertising. “Paint It Black” remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most famous tracks, and ABKCO’s aggressive stance may deter other companies from sidestepping licensing protocols.
Legal experts note a growing trend of rights holders cracking down on unauthorized music use. “Brands often underestimate the legal risks of using unlicensed music, but cases like this show that rights holders are watching closely,” says entertainment attorney Rohan Mehta.
Behr’s Silence and Potential Defense
So far, Behr Paint has not responded publicly to the lawsuit. Speculation suggests the company might argue fair use or claim they had an informal agreement. However, given ABKCO’s history of vigorous copyright enforcement—including past suits against Verizon and others—Behr could face an uphill battle.
The Broader Impact on Music Licensing
This case underscores the legal and financial risks of using popular music in ads. While a hit song can boost a campaign’s appeal (e.g., Cadillac’s use of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll”), skipping proper licensing can lead to costly consequences.
ABKCO, which manages The Rolling Stones’ early catalog, has a long history of litigation to protect its assets. This move reinforces its reputation as an unyielding defender of music rights.
What to Watch Next
As the case progresses, key questions remain:
1. Will Behr settle to avoid prolonged legal drama, or fight in court?
2. Could this lawsuit lead to stricter ad industry policies on music licensing?
3. Will other legacy artists follow ABKCO’s lead in policing their music?
The Bottom Line
This lawsuit serves as a warning to brands: using copyrighted music without permission can backfire. Whether Behr knowingly violated licensing rules or made an honest mistake, the message is clear—when it comes to iconic songs, proper clearance is non-negotiable.
Stay updated on this developing story with NextMinuteNews.
— By [Your Name], Senior Correspondent, NextMinuteNews
