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Only a Jury Can Decide Reggaeton ‘Dembow’ Copyright Case Targeting Bad Bunny, Karol G and 150+ Artists, Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. said jurors must decide whether the dembow rhythm is original and protectable after competing expert testimony.
- District Judge André Birotte ruled on Wednesday that a copyright lawsuit over the iconic "Dem Bow" rhythm will proceed to a jury trial, denying summary judgment after finding competing expert opinions on the rhythm's protectability.
- Jamaican production duo Steely & Clevie claim they created the rhythm in their 1989 instrumental "Fish Market," alleging nearly 2,000 recordings by more than 150 artists utilized their work without authorization.
- The lawsuit names prominent artists including Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, and Karol as defendants, with songs such as "Despacito" referenced in the litigation active since 2021.
- Defense attorneys contend the beat draws from musical traditions existing long before the Plaintiffs' recording, arguing it cannot be exclusively owned through copyright because it incorporates the centuries-old habanera rhythm.
- The upcoming trial will determine whether defendants had access to "Fish Market" and unlawfully copied protected elements, highlighting the genre's lineage from Jamaican dancehall and Afro-Caribbean traditions.
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Judge Rules Landmark Reggaeton Copyright Case Will Be Decided By Jury Trial
Source: Jason Koerner / Getty One of the most closely watched copyright battles in modern music is heading to trial. A federal judge has ruled that a jury will determine whether the iconic dembow rhythm is protected by copyright law.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
Factuality
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