Pop sensation Dua Lipa has secured another legal victory over her hit song, Levitating, while new challenges loom. On Thursday, U.S. Judge Katherine Polk Failla dismissed a lawsuit claiming that Levitating copied elements from two older tracks.
The case began in 2022 when songwriters L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer alleged similarities between Levitating and their 1979 disco track Wiggle and Giggle All Night and their 1980 song Don Diablo. They argued Lipa had lifted specific musical elements from these songs.
Judge Failla rejected their claims, saying, “The similarities are too generic and not protectable under copyright law.” She added that the chord progressions and rhythms used in Levitating are common in music. She remarked, “Even Mozart and the Bee Gees utilized these techniques.”
This decision marks Lipa’s second triumph in copyright lawsuits concerning Levitating, which topped global charts in 2020. The song’s infectious beat and innovative sound propelled Lipa’s career to new heights.
New Legal Battle Brewing
However, the legal challenges aren’t over. Florida reggae band Artikal Sound System dropped their lawsuit last year after failing to prove Lipa or her collaborators had ever heard their 2015 track Live Your Life. Yet, another lawsuit remains unresolved.
Bosko Kante, a musician and talk-box artist, has accused Lipa of using his contributions in remixes of Levitating without proper authorization. He claims the remixes generated profits exceeding $20 million, demanding at least $2 million in damages and a share of the earnings.
These cases highlight the complexities of copyright law in the music industry. From creative inspiration to production techniques, proving infringement often requires showing intentional copying, which remains a significant hurdle for accusers.
The Rise of Dua Lipa
Levitating’s success has made it one of the most-streamed songs worldwide, securing its place as a modern pop anthem. With multiple awards and nominations, including a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album, Lipa has solidified her status as a global music icon.
Though legal disputes shadow her achievements, they haven’t slowed her rise. Lipa continues to dominate the charts, collaborate with major artists, and expand into acting and fashion. For now, she remains undeterred, floating above the drama.
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