Vietnam media firm accuses Starbucks of unauthorized use of copyrighted songs

Vie Channel said it holds the full rights to the songs ‘Ga san ca,’ ‘Walk,’ and ‘Tu choi hieu,’ featured on its produced shows ‘Em Xinh Say Hi,’ ‘Anh Trai Say Hi,’ and ‘Rap Viet’ respectively.

None were licensed for Starbucks’ ‘Siren Calling’ concert held on August 2, the company said in its statement.

The performances of the songs at the concert have been shared widely on social media platforms such as TikTok, prompting Vie Channel to legally document the posts and warn of reputational harm.

Under Vietnamese law, such use constitutes a ‘serious infringement’ of copyright and related rights, the statement added.

Vie Channel said it sent a formal notice to Starbucks Vietnam and attempted direct engagement to resolve the issue but has yet to receive an official response.

It also said it will pursue legal action if its demands are not met.

A representative of the organizing team for the concert told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper late on Monday that they were still verifying the copyright claims.