Beastie Boys Sue Over Illegally Used Music (Again)

Hey everyone, if you aren't yet aware here's a tip: Don't use the Beastie Boys' music to promote your product or business. It's illegal unless you get permission and they're never going to give you permission. Currently, the Beastie Boys are suing Monster energy drinks for using their songs in a 2012 promotional video that appeared online. Beastie Boys members Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz and Michael "Mike D" Diamond are suing for $2 million for the company using their music without permission. The trial began in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday.

According to the Beastie Boys' lawyer Paul Garrity the group made the decision long ago to not allow their music to be used for advertising. "It stole the Beastie Boys' right to say no," said Garrity. Additionally, the Beastie Boys' third member, Adam "MCA" Yauch, who passed away in 2012, has it written in his will that his music cannot be used for promotions. It reads, "In no event may my image or name or any music or any artistic property created by me be used for advertising purposes."

Monster admits that they used the songs illegally and claims that it was an accident made by an employee who thought the company had already received rights to the music. While the Beastie Boys are asking for $2 million, Monster's lawyer Reid Kahn has said that amount is "illogical" and the company is reportedly willing to give $125,000. The video, which was used to promote a snowboarding competition, used remixes of the songs "Sabotage," "So What'cha Want," and "Make Some Noise."

This is not the first time the Beastie Boys have sued over unauthorized use of their music. Earlier this year they settled a lawsuit against toy company GoldieBlox for remaking their song "Girls" with new lyrics that promoted their products.

As for the trial with Monster, it's moving onward with Horovitz set to return to the stand on Wednesday