Judge Throws Out Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Cardi B, Blocks Producers From Filing Another ‘Futile’ Amendment
A Texas judge dismissed a copyright lawsuit against Cardi B, finding lack of jurisdiction and a missing copyright registration.Summary
A federal judge in Texas dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Cardi B filed by producers Joshua Fraustro and Miguel Aguilar (Kemikal 956), who claimed her song “Enough (Miami)” copied their track “Greasy Frybread.” The judge ruled that the plaintiffs sued in the wrong jurisdiction, as Cardi B and her record label are not based in Texas, and her performances there weren’t specifically targeted at the state. Crucially, the plaintiffs hadn’t registered a copyright for their song when the lawsuit was initially filed, a critical flaw in their case. They later obtained a copyright, but after the suit was already underway.
The court also found that the plaintiffs’ attempt to reframe the complaint under Texas state laws was preempted by the Copyright Act. The judge further blocked the producers from filing another amended complaint, deeming any further attempt “futile.” The ruling highlights the importance of proper jurisdiction and timely copyright registration in intellectual property litigation. Cardi B, Atlantic Records, and Warner Music Group were all named as defendants in the case and were ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
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