Federal court has dismissed a copyright claim against Bad Bunny after the plaintiff — a Nigerian producer — failed to actively pursue the case, leaving questions about how sample disputes are resolved across borders. The dispute centered on an allegation that a 2022 track on Un Verano Sin Ti used an unlicensed element from a 2019 song produced for Joeboy.
The suit was brought in 2023 by a Nigerian producer known as Dera and the label emPawa Africa, who said Bad Bunny’s song “Enséñame a Bailar” included a sample from Dera’s 2019 production, “Empty My Pocket.” Legal action stalled after the plaintiffs’ law firm, Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP, withdrew in January citing “irreparable differences,” according to reporting by Billboard. The judge later noted that Dera had not filed any papers or otherwise appeared to press the claim and set a deadline for revival that was missed.
How the case unraveled
The procedural breakdown — rather than a court ruling on the merits of the sampling allegation — was decisive. When the plaintiffs did not re-engage by the court’s deadline, the judge entered a dismissal and final judgment in favor of Bad Bunny and the other defendants.
Bad Bunny’s attorneys at GrayRobinson, led by Karen L. Stetson, told Pitchfork that the artist had obtained rights to use the disputed music and that the plaintiffs failed to supply evidence of competing ownership. In the firm’s account, when asked to produce proof during the litigation, the plaintiffs abandoned the suit instead.
- 2019 — Dera produces “Empty My Pocket” for Joeboy.
- 2022 — Bad Bunny releases the album Un Verano Sin Ti, featuring “Enséñame a Bailar.”
- 2023 — Dera and emPawa Africa allege improper sampling and file suit.
- January — Plaintiffs’ counsel withdraws; differences cited with clients.
- March deadline — Plaintiff fails to resume prosecution; court dismisses the case.
What this means for artists and labels
The outcome highlights a practical reality in music litigation: procedural upkeep can be as decisive as legal argument. Claimants who cannot or do not marshal documentary proof and sustained legal representation risk losing not on the strength of their claim, but on procedural grounds.
For major artists and their teams, the case underscores the importance of clear chain-of-title and documented licenses when relying on samples. For producers and smaller labels, it illustrates the difficulties of pursuing international intellectual property claims, where cost, coordination and proof requirements can derail a case before the court considers the underlying copyright questions.
The dismissal leaves the matter closed in federal court with a final judgment for the defendants. There is no public indication that Dera or emPawa Africa have filed an appeal or a new suit as of the latest reports.
Similar Posts
- Blake Lively scores WME backing as judge trims Baldoni’s claims before trial
- Pras withdraws legal challenge to Lauryn Hill: Fugees reunion tour can move forward
- Price Is Right model stuns viewers: reveals she loathes host Bob Barker
- Blake Lively pushes back after Justin Baldoni suit tossed: asks fans to ignore online drama
- Joseph Duggar arrest: family member gives initial on-record response
Hello, I’m Atlas. I explore the latest musical releases for you and guide you to your next sonic favorites.