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
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Gross Lease vs. Net Lease: Understanding the Key Differences
Commercial leases can take a variety of forms, which is often confusing for both landlords and tenants. Understanding the different types, especially the gross lease structure, is important when selecting the lease that best suits your needs. One key distinction between lease types is how rent is calculated and paid. This article addresses the two […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2
Over the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors at a record pace. Fluctuating consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping platforms, and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on the retail industry. When a retailer seeks bankruptcy protection, a myriad of other businesses are often impacted. Whether you are a supplier, customer, […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business
Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1
The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
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.