5 SEPTEMBER 2026
JUDGE REJECTS BROAD DEMBOW COPYRIGHT THEORY

WHAT HAPPENED
A U.S. judge granted summary judgment to Bad Bunny and other defendants on the case’s central theory. The plaintiffs had not identified one copyrighted work containing the full rhythmic combination they sought to protect. Other claims remain.

WHY INDEPENDENT ARTISTS SHOULD CARE
Shared riddims help genres grow. But the ruling does not make every rhythm free to copy—or remove sample clearance.

THE DEEPER ARTIST LESSON
Copyright protects specific expression, not a vague claim to a genre’s feel. A copying claim needs a clearly identified work.

WHAT TO DO NOW
• Keep sessions, stems and registrations.
• Clear samples before release.
• Document elements and sources.

SEVAD’S TAKEAWAY
Respect the source. Protect the specific work. A shared pattern is not ownership of a genre.

When does inspiration become copying?