A US judge dismissed a copyright claim against Dua Lipa by songwriters L Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer, who alleged her song 'Levitating' copied elements from their 1979 and 1980 tracks. Judge Katherine Polk Failla stated that the similarities were generic and essential to the genre, citing examples from historic composers. The ruling emphasized the importance of allowing musical evolution. The plaintiffs plan to appeal, asserting the importance of protecting original songwriting. Lipa previously faced similar accusations but won that case as well, highlighting ongoing debates around copyright in music.
The court finds that a musical style... cannot possibly be protectable. To hold otherwise would be to completely foreclose the further development of music in that genre.
This case has always been about standing up for the enduring value of original songwriting, and we continue to believe in the strength of Mr Brown and Mr Linzer's creative legacy.
There's a growing disconnect between how these cases are decided by academically analysing briefs... v how audiences actually experience music.
Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled that the songs only shared generic similarities that exist outside copyright, including the patter style of delivery.
Collection
[
|
...
]