Black Keys settle lawsuits with Pizza Hut, Home Depot

WASIM KARIM

KARACHI: The Black Keys have settled legal claims against Pizza Hut and DIY chain Home Depot for copyright violation.

The US rock band sued both brands in June 2012, claiming that Pizza Hut and Home Depot used their songs in TV commercials without their permission. The band declared that their song “Gold on the Ceiling” was used by Pizza Hut with a slight change in music while “Lonely Boy” had been in a commercial for power tools.

According to different media, both claims have been settled out of court. Lawyers for the band told a federal judge in Los Angeles about the Pizza Hut settlement on November 25, while the Home Depot agreement was made earlier this month. Attorneys expect to file formal dismissals by early January.

The Black Keys involves Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. Musician-producer Brian Burton also sued the companies.

These songs appeared on the rock band’s seventh album, “El Camino”, which was released in 2011, and has sold around a million copies.

Pizza Hut and Home Depot have not commented on the settlement.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012