The High Cost of Free Music

On February 27, 2026, Freeplay Music, LLC (Freeplay) filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Presbyterian College (the "College") in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The case focuses on the Colleges alleged use of copyrighted music in its promotional videos without securing the proper licenses. Freeplay is a production music company with a catalog of more than 50,000 songs available for licensing. This filing continues a pattern of enforcement by Freeplay, including cases we have previously reported on involving the unauthorized use of its music.

As explained in the Complaint, while the music is easily accessible online, businesses are still required to obtain a paid license before using it in marketing or promotional content. According to the Complaint, Presbyterian College used Freeplays music in at least thirty-five YouTube videos promoting its athletic programs and campus events.

Freeplay alleges that the College did more than just press play. It reproduced, synchronized, and distributed the music as part of its marketing efforts without authorization. The Complaint also highlights that Freeplay tried to resolve the issue before going to court. In 2025, the company claims to have reached out to the College asking for proof of licensing. However, after multiple follow-ups, Freeplay claims no valid licenses were provided.

Freeplay further alleges that these videos were viewed thousands of times and helped boost visibility for the Colleges programs. In other words, the music may have done more than just set the tone. It may have helped drive engagement and interest. Now the stakes are high. Freeplay is seeking damages that could exceed $3.3 million, along with an injunction requiring the removal of the videos and preventing further use of its music. As of now, Presbyterian College has not filed a response.

The case remains pending, but it serves as a reminder that accessible online content still carries real licensing obligations.