Taylor Swift Sued for Copyright Infringement in Florida Court

A lot of lesser-known people seem to think that pop stars are stealing their work. While it is possible, is it really copyright infringement if someone has never heard of the song or creative work?

Could pop megastar Taylor Swift be stealing the work of others? That’s what a Florida woman is alleging. She has filed a lawsuit against Taylor Swift Productions Inc., accusing Swift of not properly giving her credit for lyrics and creative expression. The copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed in Southern Florida. Swift’s legal team is trying to get the lawsuit dismissed, alleging that the claims are false. The plaintiff is representing herself in court.

Earlier this year, the woman originally filed a claim in small claims court, where she sought $100 in damages and writer’s attribution credit. She then amended her complaint in October and is now requesting more than $7 million in damages.

The woman is claiming that Swift’s songs and music videos have “creative elements” that mimic her work and do not give her proper authorization or credit. In her complaint, the woman claims that several songs and videos from Swift’s albums Lover, Folklore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Dept infringe upon her copyrights by incorporating text from her poems. The woman, a poet, lists more than 10 songs that allegedly contain unique expressions found in her poetry. In the lawsuit, the woman claims Swift’s “Lover” album mimics her cover for her album “Fallen from Grace.” In addition, the woman claims Swift has stolen elements of her choreography as well, including a dance routine involving a chair.

Swift is facing 13 counts of alleged infringement. Her legal team has filed two motions to dismiss the lawsuit. Her lawyers say the lawsuit is “legally and factually baseless.” They also allege that the plaintiff’s amended complaint “fails to state a claim,” as there is no proof that Swift copied protectable elements. Her lawyers state that the plaintiff confuses “expression” with metaphors, themes, ideas, and short phrases. However, the motion to dismiss was rejected by the judge.

This is not the first time Swift has been sued for copyright infringement cases. One case was dismissed, while in the other, the plaintiff dropped the case. Given that the plaintiff in this case has no legal representation, this case will likely not get very far in court.

Learn More About Copyright Infringement

Nobody should have their creative works copied by others, but when it comes to songwriting, infringement can be a broad term. Is having words that are similar to other songs considered a crime?

Orlando trademark & copyright lawyer B.F. Godfrey from Godfrey Legal can answer your questions about copyright law. We have the experience and knowledge of intellectual property law needed to provide effective and efficient representation when you feel your work has been used inappropriately or without your permission. Schedule a consultation by calling (407) 890-0023 or filling out the online form.

Source:

newsweek.com/taylor-swift-being-sued-aileen-cannon-judge-1974022