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4w ago

Dua Lipa Wins Copyright Case Over Hit Song 'Levitating'

A New York court dismissed claims that the song copied melodies from 1970s disco tracks, ruling the elements were unprotectable under copyright law.

Dua Lipa attends the Time Magazine 100 gala celebrating their list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, in New York City, New York, U.S., April 25, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
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Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled that the alleged similarities between 'Levitating' and the 1979 song 'Wiggle and Giggle All Night' involved generic musical elements not protected by copyright.
  • The court cited prior rulings, including Ed Sheeran's 2023 victory, to emphasize that basic musical building blocks like scales and rhythms cannot be monopolized.
  • The plaintiffs, L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer, claimed 'Levitating' copied the 'signature melody' of their songs but failed to demonstrate substantial similarity.
  • Judge Failla noted that the melodies in question had been used in works by Mozart, Rossini, and the Bee Gees, further supporting their unprotectability.
  • The plaintiffs plan to appeal the decision, arguing that copyright cases should consider audience perception rather than technical musical analysis.