Since the death of Adam Yauch, the remaining members of the Beastie Boys have ferociously guarded his legacy.
MCA stated in his will that he did not want his music to be used for commercial gain, something which Mike D and Ad-Rock have done their best to uphold.
Backed in 2012 Monster Energy Drink created a short commercial, using a medley of the band's hits taken from a live set by DJ Z-Trip at Ruckus in the Rockies, an event sponsored by Monster themselves.
The hip hop group decided to take the company to court, arguing that no permission had been sought or granted. The case came to court, and in a ruling last night (June 5th) the judge ruled in their favour, awarding the group $1.7 million in damages.
According to the Beastie Boys' complaint: "The public was confused into believing that the plaintiffs sponsored, endorsed and are associated with defendant Monster in promoting defendant Monster's productions and promotional events."
Reuters report that Monster intend to appeal.
(via Pitchfork)
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