Beastie Boys v. Monster Energy Co.
This case involves copyright infringement and Lanham Act claims by the hip-hop group Beastie Boys against Monster Energy Company for unauthorized use of a remix containing Beastie Boys songs in a promotional video. Monster, in turn, filed a third-party complaint against DJ Zach Sciacca (Z-Trip), who created the remix with the Beastie Boys' permission and furnished it to Monster. Monster alleged Z-Trip authorized unrestricted use of the remix and committed fraud by misrepresenting his authority to license the Beastie Boys' music. Z-Trip moved for summary judgment on Monster's claims. The Court granted Z-Trip's motion, finding no valid contract between Monster and Z-Trip due to lack of offer, acceptance, consideration, and clear terms, and also dismissed the fraud claim due to Monster's unreasonable reliance and lack of evidence of Z-Trip's fraudulent intent.