Multiple NBA teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, are defending themselves against copyright infringement lawsuits filed by major music publishers including Kobalt Music and Prescription Songs.

The publishers claim teams used unlicensed music in social media videos and NBA.com clips. While social media platforms offer pre-cleared music libraries, these are typically restricted to personal use rather than professional or commercial purposes.

The Timberwolves' legal response includes several key defenses:

• Copyright misuse by publishers attempting to "extort disproportionate payments" through threats of attorney fees
• Possession of implied license to use the works
• Fair use protection
• First Amendment rights
• Statute of limitations, arguing publishers should have known about the usage earlier

As the NBA season begins, teams continue posting social media content but appear to be using music unaffiliated with the plaintiff publishers to avoid further legal issues.

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