Beastie Boys sue Monster energy drink bosses over music copyright

The Beastie Boys have filed suit against the bosses of a popular energy drink company over allegations of copyright infringement.

They lodged papers in Manhattan federal court in New York on Wednesday, claiming Monster executives have been using their tracks in a promotional video and down-loadable audio file without their permission.

The lawsuit emerges just two days after late rapper Adam “MCA” Yauch’s will was filed in Manhattan Surrogate Court. The documents reveal Yauch had amassed a fortune of $6.4 million, which would be placed in a trust fund for his wife Dechen and their 13-year-old daughter.

His widow has been granted the right to sell and manage his artistic property. However, Yauch prohibited the use of his music and “artistic property” for advertising purposes after his death, according to his will.

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event may my image or name or any music or any artistic property created by me be used for advertising purposes,” reads a copy of the will obtained by Rolling Stone.  The phrase “or any music or any artistic property created by me” was added in handwriting.

The will also names Yauch’s wife as the executor of his estate and leaves his $6.4 million to Dechen and their daughter.

(content courtesy of WENN/rollingstone.com/Cubarrubia; image courtesy of cvltnation.com)

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