Tag: music

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Steve Ronsen v. Lady Gaga (“Shallow”)

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On August 8, 2019, Page Six reported that Steve Ronsen, a relatively unknown artist, accused Lady Gaga of copying a 3-chord progression (G, A, B) from his 2012 song “Almost.” The same progression was allegedly used in Lady Gaga’s 2018 hit song “Shallow,” which won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2019. Compare “Almost” with “Shallow” below. Ronsen has not filed a lawsuit yet but reportedly has sought a monetary settlement (and likely songwriting credit) from Lady Gaga. If a lawsuit is filed, Ronsen would have to prove (1) Lady Gaga or her co-writers copied protected expression from Ronsen’s … Continue reading Steve Ronsen v. Lady Gaga (“Shallow”)

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Josh Stone v. Ariana Grande (“7 Rings”)

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On Jan. 16, 2020, Josh Stone, who wrote “You Need It I Got I,” sued Ariana Grande for her hit “7 Rings” alleging that Grande’s song extensively copied the chorus and hook of Stone’s song, including rhythmic and lyrical elements that show a pattern that “consistently include identical metrical placements within each composition.” Stone alleges that the defendants willfully infringed his copyright. Stone sued Grande, her seven co-authors of “7 Rings,” BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Corporation, and four other music publishers who allegedly own portions of “7 Rings” (collectively, “Grande”). The complaint was filed in the Southern District of … Continue reading Josh Stone v. Ariana Grande (“7 Rings”)

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Lizzo (“Truth Hurts”) v. Justin Raisen

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On Oct. 23, 2019, Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) sued Justin Raisen, Jeremiah Raisen, Justin Yves Rothman, and others in a declaratory judgment action seeking a court’s declaration that the defendants have no rights to her belated runaway hit song “Truth Hurts.” The case was filed in the Central District of California. Lizzo’s Complaint alleges: After years of hard work, she attained breakthrough commercial success earlier this year. Shortly thereafter, during the summer of 2019, her song “Truth Hurts,” first released back in 2017, started to rise in the charts. Last month, just as the song hit No. 1 on the Billboard … Continue reading Lizzo (“Truth Hurts”) v. Justin Raisen

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Lela Weems v. Tyler the Creator (“Deathcamp”) settled

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On March 23, 2018, Lila Weems sued Tyler the Creator (Tyler Okonma), Sony Music, Sony ATV Publishing and others for allegedly infringing the copyright to the 1971 song “Why Can’t There Be Love,” composed by the late Herman Weems and sung by Dee Edwards. Lila Weems, the successor to the copyright to the song, alleges that Tyler sampled it in his 2015 hit “Deathcamp,” the lead single to his third studio album “Cherry Bomb.” Settlement: On May 22, 2018, the parties quickly settled the case. Although the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, Herman Weems is listed for songwriting … Continue reading Lela Weems v. Tyler the Creator (“Deathcamp”) settled