17 September 2020CopyrightRory O'Neill

Sound bite: Is sampling fair use?

Where’s the line between creative experimentation and theft? That’s the question at the heart of a lawsuit between Tracy Chapman and Nicki Minaj over whether the act of sampling a song in the studio constitutes copyright infringement.

Already registered?

For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk

More on this story

Childish Gambino faces ‘This is America’ copyright suit

7 May 2021 A Florida-based rapper is suing actor, musician, and writer Donald Glover for copyright infringement, citing elements of 2018 single “This is America”, released under the Childish Gambino moniker.

SCOTUS denies ‘Stairway to Heaven’ appeal

6 October 2020 Led Zeppelin has overcome the final hurdle in its “Stairway to Heaven” dispute with the estate of Randy Wolfe, the late singer of the band Spirit.

Unauthorised sampling can infringe producer’s rights: CJEU

29 July 2019 The unauthorised sampling of sounds fixed in a phonogram can infringe a producer’s rights, subject to certain conditions, according to Europe’s highest court.

Getty v Stability AI: Five takeaways from the courtroom so far

Getty drops primary copyright claims against Stability AI

Defending the realm: How a key MoD supplier crafts its IP strategy

How IP firms can champion LGBTQ+ staff beyond Pride 2025

A step too far? Why Stewart’s approach is dividing opinion

What is an ‘AI training declaration’ and who might need one?

Vidal: Settled expectations factor is ‘unconstitutional overreach’

‘Sad beige’ lawsuit shows how hard it is for influencers to stand out

Sound bite: Is sampling fair use?

More on this story

Editor's picks

Editor's picks

More articles