Oakley controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Warner Music sues six Ray-Ban-linked eyewear companies over unlicensed music in social media adverts
Lawsuit filed
A Warner Music lawsuit filed in New York on 9 October 2026 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York accuses six EssilorLuxottica-linked companies — Luxottica Group S.p.A., Luxottica of America, Oakley, Chapter 4 Corp., Costa Del Mar and Eye Buy Direct — of using copyrighted music in social media adverts for eyewear brands including Ray-Ban, Oakley and Sunglass Hut without permission. The 23 Warner-affiliated plaintiffs allege unauthorised use of at least 427 sound recordings and musical compositions, including direct, contributory and vicarious copyright infringement, and seek up to $150,000 in statutory damages per work. The allegations are Warner's account and have not been tested by the court.
Source excerpt
The plaintiffs seek up to $150,000 (£114,000) in statutory damages per work.
The businesses are linked to EssilorLuxottica, and the 23 Warner-affiliated plaintiffs allege unauthorised use of at least 427 sound recordings and musical compositions.
2013
Sponsorship actions involving Oscar Pistorius and Lance Armstrong
Oakley suspended its sponsorship of Oscar Pistorius during his murder trial and ended its relationship with Lance Armstrong after his admission of performance-enhancing drug use. Both cases illustrated the reputational risks associated with athlete-led marketing.