Dua Lipa wins copyright case over song Levitating

In 2022, Dua Lipa was sued by songwriters L Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer.  Dua Lipa was accused of copying their songs Wiggle and Giggle all night, and Don Diablo.

Key Points:

• Claimants: L Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer

• Songs in question: Wiggle and Giggle All Night, Don Diablo

• Defendant: Dua Lipa and her co-writers

• Claim: Copyright infringement due to musical similarities

Why did the judge dismiss the Dua Lipa copyright lawsuit?

On 27 March 2025, US Judge Katherine Polk Failla held that the songs only had generic similarities, which included musical elements that were not afforded copyright protection given that they had also been used by Mozart, Gilbert and Sullivan, and the Bee Gees in their song Stayin’ Alive.

Judge’s rationale:

• Similarities were too generic

• Elements also appeared in works by Mozart, Gilbert and Sullivan, and the Bee Gees

• These elements lack the originality required for copyright protection

Has Dua Lipa faced other copyright claims over Levitating?

This is not the first time Dua Lipa has been embroiled in a copyright claim regarding Levitating. She was previously sued by Florida reggae band Artikal Sound System, who claimed she had copied the chorus for her song from their 2015 track, Live your Life.  Much like this dispute, Due Lipa successfully defended the case after it was dropped in 2023.  Here, a judge ruled there was no evidence that Dua Lipa or her co-writers had “access” to the earlier song relied on.

Is there another ongoing copyright dispute involving Dua Lipa?

Nevertheless, with these 2 disputes now resolved, Dua Lipa is still facing a third legal dispute over the song, from musician Bosko Kante.  Bosko Kante issued proceedings against Dua Lipa in 2023, arguing that his contribution had been used on remixes of the song without permission.

Kante is seeking damages estimated at £1.5million plus interest, as well as profits from the remixes, which he estimated as being at least £15million.  It is argued that Bosko Kante agreed with Dua Lipa and subsequently recorded a talkbox performance which was to be used on the song, Levitating.

According to the proceedings issued by Bosko Kante, the parties did come to an oral agreement for his performance to appear on the original album version of the song – but this usage did not include any future remixes.  It is argued that Bosko Kante’s performance appeared on three remixes of Levitating, including the remix featuring rapper DaBaby.

Dua Lipa has a final dispute to overcome.

Final thoughts on Dua Lipa’s copyright legal battles

While Dua Lipa has successfully defended two copyright lawsuits, she still faces one active case involving remixes. The outcome of this final dispute will set a precedent for how oral agreements and remix rights are treated in copyright law.

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FAQs

Q: What was Dua Lipa accused of in the copyright case?

A: She was accused of copying elements from two earlier songs, which were found to be too generic for copyright protection.

Q: Did Dua Lipa win the copyright case over Levitating?

A: Yes, the judge dismissed the case, ruling the musical similarities were not original enough to be protected.

Q: Is Dua Lipa still facing any legal action over Levitating?

A: Yes, a dispute with Bosko Kante over remix rights is still ongoing.

Q: What did the judge say about the similarities in the songs?

A: They were common musical elements also used in other famous works, and thus not protected under copyright law.

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