feature-image

Reuters

feature-image

Reuters

Activision Blizzard has found itself in the US court once again, but not for the FTC vs Microsoft case. This time the Call of Duty creators are in court due to a conflict with a TikTok music critic over a debated piece of audio clip used in their promotions.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

This conflict has raised the eyebrows of many fans who were wondering why a multi-billion dollar net-worth company is suing a TikTok personality. However, the Activision lawyers have mentioned in their complaint the reasons they are suing the critic. The lawsuit is the result of a tit-for-tat situation between the gaming company and the TikTok user.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

Activision sues music critic for demanding unfair settlements

This whole debacle started when Activision used viral audio from the music critic Anthony Fantano in promoting Crash Bandicoot sneakers on TikTok. The Activision lawyers filed a complaint in California federal court accusing Fantano of demanding a settlement for the use of his audio clip. Furthermore, Activision claims Fantano is “misusing” intellectual property laws as the clip is available on TikTok’s audio library.

article-image

Reuters

This availability enables TikTok users to use those clips in their TikToks. However, Activision claimed that Fantano is leveraging payments from content creators for the use of his audio clip in their TikToks. Activision’s lawyers wrote, “Fantano was very happy to receive the benefit of the public use of the Slices Video.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Read More: “I Warned You Guys in 1984…” – Amidst AI’s Penetration in Gaming Space, James Cameron Reveals How He Foresaw the Dark Future Almost 40 Years Ago Through His Iconic Movie

ADVERTISEMENT

Activision used the audio clip in a TikTok promoting their custom Crash Bandicoot sneaker creation. However, Fantano issued a legal notification to the game company, saying that the audio was utilized without his authorization. The company agreed to pull down TikTok from its end after receiving the said notice. But Activision claims that Fantano has since sent over a six-figure demand for his “substantial monetary damages”.

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

The Call of Duty creators have responded to Fantano with a lawsuit of their own. The case is currently continuing in the California federal court. What are your thoughts on Activision suing music critic over alleged unfair payment demand? Let us know in the comments section below.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch this Story | The Console Wars Are Heating Head-to-Head: Xbox and PlayStation Fans Battle Over Which Custom Controller Is Better, Starfield or Spider-Man 2?

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Ajitesh Rawat

1,222 Articles

Ajitesh Rawat is a WNBA and College Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, where he leads the outlet’s Strategy Desk. With a research-driven approach and a reader-first mindset shaped during his stint as a Content Analyst, he covers the mechanics of the game with depth and precision. From injury reports and roster depth charts to player trades and transfer portal moves, Ajitesh brings clarity to the decisions that shape outcomes. Known for highlighting under-covered talent across the women’s game, his reporting has also earned him a spot in ES’ Journalistic Excellence Program. Beyond basketball, Ajitesh’s versatility has seen him spearhead LPGA and LIV Golf coverage while contributing to esports and FPS gaming guides, a reflection of his background as both a game developer and digital strategist. That unique blend of technical expertise and editorial instinct allows him to navigate fast-moving sports landscapes while connecting fans to the tactical and cultural undercurrents driving the games they love.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Harshita

ADVERTISEMENT