Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Justin Bieber, Usher Face Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: May 15, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Justin Bieber has been inundated with lawsuits for various reasons as of late. Most recently, he and his collaborator Usher are now in hot water for copyright infringement violations.
R&B singer Devin Copeland and songwriter Mareio Overton filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Virginia against Bieber and his mentor alleging that the hit single “Somebody to Love” features several lyrical and stylistic similarities to the song they wrote in 2008. Incidentally, the song Copeland and Overton say they wrote also features the same name.
The duo, which claims that a number of producers conspired to reproduce the song, is suing Bieber and Usher for $10 million for entertainment law violations that include copyright infringement, contributory infringement, and vicarious infringement.
Copeland and Overton explained that they provided a copy of the song to musical promoters, who then passed the track along to Usher in 2009. Copeland was then contacted by Usher’s mother, who serves as his manager, and asked to re-record the album and tour with Usher that summer. However, he did not hear back from Usher. In 2010, Bieber then released his version of “Somebody to Love,” with Usher singing the backup vocals.
The lawsuit specifically mentions 17 musical similarities to Copeland’s version, including a scalar 7-chord to start the chorus, the same hook in the chorus, and the same repeating underlying “Keystone” beat pattern, according to ABC News.
“There is essentially a zero probability for the number of points of congruence between the two versions of ‘Somebody to Love,'” Copeland and Overton said, according to Reuters.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
Author: Ronald S. Bienstock
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
Author: Patrick T. Conlon
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Justin Bieber, Usher Face Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Justin Bieber has been inundated with lawsuits for various reasons as of late. Most recently, he and his collaborator Usher are now in hot water for copyright infringement violations.
R&B singer Devin Copeland and songwriter Mareio Overton filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Virginia against Bieber and his mentor alleging that the hit single “Somebody to Love” features several lyrical and stylistic similarities to the song they wrote in 2008. Incidentally, the song Copeland and Overton say they wrote also features the same name.
The duo, which claims that a number of producers conspired to reproduce the song, is suing Bieber and Usher for $10 million for entertainment law violations that include copyright infringement, contributory infringement, and vicarious infringement.
Copeland and Overton explained that they provided a copy of the song to musical promoters, who then passed the track along to Usher in 2009. Copeland was then contacted by Usher’s mother, who serves as his manager, and asked to re-record the album and tour with Usher that summer. However, he did not hear back from Usher. In 2010, Bieber then released his version of “Somebody to Love,” with Usher singing the backup vocals.
The lawsuit specifically mentions 17 musical similarities to Copeland’s version, including a scalar 7-chord to start the chorus, the same hook in the chorus, and the same repeating underlying “Keystone” beat pattern, according to ABC News.
“There is essentially a zero probability for the number of points of congruence between the two versions of ‘Somebody to Love,'” Copeland and Overton said, according to Reuters.