Colombian singer Karol G and Dutch DJ Tiësto have successfully defended themselves against a plagiarism lawsuit over their hit "Don’t Be Shy," following a decisive ruling in Miami. Cuban musician René Lorente had claimed that the song mimicked his 1998 composition "Algo Diferente," which he registered in 2000.
Lorente insisted that Karol G's first English-language track shared melody, harmony, and rhythm with his work, and sought a hefty $3 million as compensation for damage to his reputation and mental health. However, Federal Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence.
The court determined that there was no proof that the artists had prior access to Lorente's song, and that the perceived similarities consisted of common musical elements that are not eligible for copyright protection. The defense team brought in a well-known expert in forensic musicology, while Lorente’s witness, a music producer, was deemed unqualified due to a lack of technical expertise necessary for such analysis.
Attorneys representing Karol G and Tiësto criticized the lawsuit as baseless, emphasizing the need to shield artists from unwarranted claims, which are becoming increasingly frequent in the music industry. With the judgment in their favor, Karol G and Tiësto can now focus on their music, as "Don’t Be Shy" continues to resonate on dance floors and streaming platforms worldwide.
Understanding the Legal Ruling in Karol G and Tiësto's Favor
What was the main reason for the lawsuit's dismissal?
The lawsuit was dismissed due to a lack of evidence showing that Karol G and Tiësto had prior access to René Lorente's song, and the similarities identified were considered common musical elements not protected by copyright.
Who testified on behalf of Karol G and Tiësto?
An expert in forensic musicology testified for Karol G and Tiësto, supporting their defense against the plagiarism claims.