Dua Lipa has emerged victorious once again, successfully defending herself against a second copyright lawsuit over her smash hit Levitating. A U.S. federal judge dismissed the case, ruling that the claims of infringement were baseless and that the melody in question was too common to be protected by copyright.

This marks another triumph for the global pop star, reinforcing her legal standing in a high-profile battle that has gripped the music industry.

Judge Rules in Favor of Dua Lipa

In a ruling handed down by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, the lawsuit filed by songwriters L. Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer was officially dismissed. The duo had alleged that Levitating copied elements of their 1979 disco track Wiggle and Giggle All Night.

However, the judge found that the similarities between the two songs were not enough to warrant a copyright claim. The case centered on a descending musical scale present in both tracks, but Judge Failla determined that this was a widely used musical element and not an original composition owned by the plaintiffs.

In her decision, the judge highlighted that Levitating contains an additional note in the disputed melody, making it distinct. She also referenced a recent ruling in a lawsuit involving Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud, which reaffirmed that certain musical patterns are too common to be considered exclusive intellectual property.

A Second Copyright Victory for Dua Lipa

This is not the first time Levitating has faced legal scrutiny. In June 2023, Lipa successfully defended herself against another lawsuit filed by Florida reggae band Artikal Sound System. The band claimed that Levitating copied their 2017 song Live Your Life.

That case was also dismissed after the court ruled that Artikal Sound System failed to provide enough evidence proving that Lipa or her team had ever heard their song before creating Levitating.

These back-to-back victories send a strong message that courts are not willing to entertain weak copyright claims that attempt to capitalize on a song’s commercial success.

The Incredible Success of Levitating

Despite these legal battles, Levitating has become one of the most successful songs of the decade. The track spent a staggering 77 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the longest-running hits in chart history. It peaked at No. 2 and became one of the defining songs of 2021, dominating radio airwaves and streaming charts worldwide.

The infectious disco-pop anthem helped solidify Dua Lipa’s status as a global superstar, earning her multiple award nominations and a devoted fanbase.

What This Means for the Music Industry

Dua Lipa’s legal victories highlight a growing trend in copyright disputes within the music industry. As artists draw inspiration from past genres and styles, legal battles over similarities in melody and rhythm have become more frequent.

However, this case reaffirms that not all similarities equate to copyright infringement. The ruling sets an important precedent, making it clear that widely used musical elements cannot be claimed as exclusive intellectual property.

Dua Lipa Moves Forward With Confidence

With two major legal victories under her belt, Dua Lipa can now fully focus on her music and upcoming projects without the shadow of copyright lawsuits hanging over her.

As she continues to dominate the charts and push creative boundaries, her fans can celebrate knowing that Levitating remains rightfully hers. This latest court ruling is not just a win for Dua Lipa, but for artists everywhere who strive to create music without fear of unjust legal claims.

For now, one thing is clear: Dua Lipa’s star power remains unstoppable, and Levitating will continue to shine as one of pop music’s greatest modern anthems.