Steely & Clevie's Landmark Copyright Lawsuit in Reggaetón: A Battle Over Rhythmic Rights
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Far-Reaching Implications for The Music Industry
In a significant legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the music industry, Steely & Clevie Productions Ltd has filed a lawsuit against over 160 Reggaetón artists, producers, and record labels for copyright infringement. The case hinges on the unauthorized use of the Fish Market Riddim, a foundational rhythm in Reggaetón music, and draws parallels to a recent U.S. Appeals court decision involving choreography in the popular video game 'Fortnite'.
1. The Fortnite Precedent:
The legal team for Steely & Clevie is citing a recent decision by the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in the case of choreographer Kyle Hanagami against Epic Games. The court ruled that choreography could not be reduced to individual poses or movements, much like music cannot be reduced to individual notes. This ruling is being used to argue that the Fish Market Riddim, like choreography, is more than just a collection of individual beats and deserves full copyright protection.
2. The Fish Market Riddim Case:
The lawsuit claims that over 1,800 songs have infringed on the Fish Market Riddim. This includes major hits like Luis Fonsi’s "Despacito Remix" with Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny’s "MIA" with Drake, and Daddy Yankee’s "Gasolina". The defendants, including high-profile artists like Bad Bunny, Drake, and Pitbull, have argued that the elements allegedly stolen are not protectable under US copyright laws.
3. The Legal Debate:
A central question in this lawsuit is whether a rhythm like the Fish Market Riddim can be copyrighted. The defendants have contended that Steely & Clevie failed to properly register their copyrights for Fish Market and the derivative Pounder Riddim before filing the lawsuit. U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr., who is presiding over the case, acknowledged the complexity of the issue, leaving the matter pending after an October 20 hearing.
The lawsuit filed by Steely & Clevie Productions Ltd
The lawsuit filed by Steely & Clevie Productions Ltd against numerous Reggaetón artists and producers is a landmark case in the music industry. It challenges the boundaries of copyright law in relation to musical compositions, specifically rhythms that form the foundation of entire genres. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent, potentially reshaping how rhythms and beats are viewed in the context of copyright law, and impacting the creation and distribution of music globally.
References:
DancehallMag: [Steely & Clevie Seeks ‘Fortnite’ Ruling Boost For Their Reggaetón Lawsuit](https://www.dancehallmag.com/2023/11/03/news/steely-clevie-seeks-fortnite-ruling-boost-for-their-reggaeton-lawsuit.html)
Technollama: [Copyright Lawsuit Threatens Reggaeton Genre](https://www.technollama.co.uk/copyright-lawsuit-threatens-reggaeton-genre)
The Guardian: [Can You Copyright a Rhythm? Inside the Reggaeton Lawsuit That Could Shake the Pop World](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/mar/22/can-you-copyright-a-rhythm-inside-the-reggaeton-lawsuit-that-could-shake-the-pop-world)
