A New York federal judge has recently dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit against musician Roddy Ricch. The claim was set forth by parties alleging that Ricch’s 2019 chart-topper ‘The Box’ copied a tune from nearly half a century ago.
The judge’s ruling stated that “no reasonable jury could find that the works are substantially similar”, pointing out a distinct divergence when applying the proper legal test. This finding emphasizes the fine and often embroiled line of contention in copyright infringement cases within the music industry, particularly when it draws upon works spanning extensive timelines.
Whether a modern work can truly rip off a much older tune and when similarities become legally problematic, are questions that continue to confront lawyers and musicians alike. These are amongst some of the many challenges that copyright law faces as it continues to evolve in the digital era.
To read about the specifics of the case and the judge’s decision, refer to the complete Law360 article on the topic.