Dua Lipa Hit With Not One, But Two Copyright Lawsuits Over ‘Levitating’
Pop superstar Dua Lipa is in hot water after being slapped with two separate copyright infringement lawsuits over her hit track “Levitating.” Both US-based claims accuse the star and her label, Warner Records, of ripping off older tunes – and the music world is buzzing.
Reggae Band and Veteran Songwriters Claim Theft
The first lawsuit comes from American reggae outfit Artikal Sound System. They claim Dua Lipa’s chart-smash “Levitating” borrows heavily from their 2017 track “Live Your Life.” Artikal alleges Lipa and team “listened to and copied” their song, then replicated it. They’re demanding cash damages and a slice of the pop star’s profits.
The second complaint, filed by veteran songwriters L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer, points to uncanny similarities between “Levitating” and their late 70s hits “Wiggle and Giggle All Night” (1979) and “Don Diablo” (1980). Brown and Linzer claim parts of their melodies, which went viral on TikTok, have been lifted as Dua Lipa’s signature riff. They also reference comments where Dua admitted drawing inspiration from decade-old tunes.
Dua Lipa has yet to respond to these explosive allegations.
Inside the Legal Fight Over Music Theft
We spoke to Frank Rittman, legal expert from PitchMark, to break down what the plaintiffs need to prove under US law:
- Protected Work: The part copied must be legally protected.
- Access: The defendant must have had access to the original songs (radio plays and streaming count).
- Similarity: The songs must be “substantially similar” to the average listener.
“Intent to copy doesn’t matter,” says Rittman. “Even subconscious plagiarism can trigger infringement.”
He explains that small musical snippets like two- or three-note sequences are often too generic to be protected, and song titles aren’t covered by copyright at all.
What’s Next? Will Dua Lipa Settle or Fight?
Legal insiders note the Artikal case lacks detailed proof of similarity, making it vulnerable to dismissal – though plaintiffs usually get a chance to refile. The Brown-Linzer suit is more detailed, breaking down melodies note-by-note, meaning the case could well go to trial.
“Dua Lipa and her team are likely weighing whether to fight or settle quietly,” says Rittman.
If the plaintiffs win, they could secure financial damages – but won’t own the song outright. Given “Levitating” has been out for over two years, an injunction to stop sales is unlikely. If Dua wins, she might recover legal fees and avoid any tarnish on her hit.
Copyright Battles: The Music Industry’s Ongoing Saga
Dua Lipa joins a long line of stars hit with copying claims, including Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Led Zeppelin, and George Harrison. These legal battles aren’t just about songs; books, films, photos, and designs regularly face similar fights.
For songwriters, the best advice from experts? Don’t assume inspiration means permission.
“Just because you hear something doesn’t mean you’re free to copy it,” warns Rittman. “Even if you don’t meet the original creators, access via streaming or radio can be enough for a lawsuit.”
Meanwhile, Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” saga unfolds – and the charts may not be the only place this hit makes headlines.
