The line between music and marketing just got blurrier—and a whole lot more expensive.
DSW, one of the biggest names in U.S. retail, is officially responding to a lawsuit that accuses it of using copyrighted music in its TikTok and social media campaigns without proper licensing.
The lawsuit, filed in June 2025, alleges that DSW featured hit songs in influencer-driven content to boost their brand presence online—especially on TikTok—without clearing the rights with the music’s publishers or copyright holders.
That kind of slip-up in today’s digital age? It’s a legal minefield.
But DSW isn’t backing down quietly.
In a statement filed on July 9, the company denied intentional infringement and pointed fingers at third-party influencers who may have uploaded the content.
DSW’s legal team also suggested the music use might fall under “fair use” or be outside their direct control.
Whether that argument holds up in court remains to be seen.
But this case is already sending shockwaves through the music and marketing industries.
Why it matters:
This isn’t just about one brand and a few TikToks.
It’s about the growing risk businesses take when using music without proper clearance. TikTok has become a key marketing tool, but that doesn’t mean copyright law takes a backseat.
Even a 15-second song clip in a promo video can come with serious legal consequences.
At Big Masterz, we always emphasize the value of respecting music rights.
If you’re distributing music, licensing for sync, or running a campaign with someone else’s track—even for social media—you need the green light from the rights holders. Period.
Takeaway for artists and brands:
This case is a wake-up call.
Copyright laws are catching up with the speed of digital content.
Whether you’re a major brand or an indie creator, protecting yourself through proper licensing and publishing is no longer optional—it’s essential.
We’ll be watching this story as it unfolds. Stay tuned with Big Masterz for more music industry news, publishing updates, and guidance on how to keep your music (and your business) protected.
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