In a significant ruling for the music industry, a New York federal judge has concluded that Dua Lipa’s hit song “Levitating” did not infringe on a 1979 disco track. The court determined that the musical elements in question, a descending chord progression and a musical note from the earlier work, are not protectable under the current copyright framework. This decision highlights ongoing challenges in copyright law, particularly concerning musical elements that many artists may perceive as commonplace or generic.
Dua Lipa’s legal victory underscores the importance of clear distinctions in creative compositions, especially as artists continuously navigate potential similarities within a vast musical repertoire. The verdict provides valuable insight into the legal interpretations of musical originality and the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights in the music sector.
For further details on the court’s decision, you can access the article on Law360’s website.