Multiple NBA teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, are defending against copyright infringement lawsuits filed by major music publishers including Kobalt Music and Prescription Songs. The dispute centers on the unauthorized use of music in social media videos and NBA.com clips.

Key points of the legal battle:

• Publishers claim teams used unlicensed music in social media content
• Teams argue copyright misuse by publishers attempting to extract disproportionate payments
• Defendants cite multiple defenses including implied license, fair use, and First Amendment protection
• Teams claim allegations are time-barred based on when publishers should have known about the usage

The case highlights an important distinction in social media music licensing: while platforms offer pre-cleared music libraries, these licenses typically apply only to personal use, not professional or commercial purposes. This creates a complex legal situation for professional sports teams and businesses using music in their social content.

In response, teams like the Timberwolves have adjusted their content strategy, now using music unaffiliated with the plaintiff publishers for their social media posts as the NBA season begins.

The case remains active with teams submitting similar legal responses to these unconsolidated suits filed in July.

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