A copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed in the US against NewJeans' hit song 'How Sweet,' with claims that it plagiarized a demo track. However, their agency, ADOR, has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them 'groundless.' Here's a detailed look at the lawsuit's specifics and both parties' arguments.
What Are the Specifics of the NewJeans 'How Sweet' Copyright Lawsuit?
According to Billboard, four songwriters, including Audrey Amakost, have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in a US court, alleging that NewJeans' 'How Sweet' unlawfully used key elements from their demo song, 'One of a Kind.' The plaintiffs claim they were informed in early 2024 that their melody and lyrics, submitted as potential candidates for NewJeans' new song, would not be used. Approximately four months later, they assert that the melody and composition of the first verse in 'How Sweet' bear a striking resemblance to their work. They highlight that both songs share the same 4/4 time signature and B flat minor key, and crucially, a melody sequence of 31 notes spanning about 8 bars is allegedly shared. The songwriters are seeking royalty shares and joint copyright recognition based on technical analysis.
Why Is ADOR Strongly Refuting the 'How Sweet' Plagiarism Claims?
In response to these plagiarism allegations, NewJeans' agency, ADOR, has issued a clear statement declaring the claims 'groundless.' ADOR confirmed with the production team, BANA, that there was absolutely no plagiarism involved. The agency emphasized that they have a firm grasp on the facts and are prepared to take strong legal action. This stance indicates a commitment to protecting their artists' rights and reputation, signaling that they will not hesitate to pursue legal avenues to counter these accusations.
What's Next for the 'How Sweet' Plagiarism Controversy?
This legal battle surrounding 'How Sweet,' a song that charted high on the Billboard Global 200, has captured the attention of music fans worldwide. With the plaintiffs presenting specific technical arguments and ADOR strongly asserting its 'groundless' claim, the court's decision will be closely watched. If plagiarism is confirmed, it could significantly impact not only the artists' reputations but also future music copyright disputes. Conversely, if ADOR's claims are upheld, this case could serve as a cautionary tale against baseless plagiarism accusations. Clarity from the legal proceedings is eagerly awaited by artists and fans alike.
NewJeans 'How Sweet' Copyright Lawsuit: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions regarding the NewJeans 'How Sweet' copyright lawsuit to help clarify the situation.
