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Katy Perry Wins in Reversal of 'Dark Horse' Copyright Lawsuit Verdict

Katy Perry Wins in Reversal of 'Dark Horse' Copyright Lawsuit Verdict

Katy Perry has been found not liable for infringement.

After half a year after a California jury found that Katy, collaborator Dr. Luke and Capitol Records were guilty of ripping off Christian rapper Flame‘s work for her 2013 hit “Dark Horse,” a California federal judge found her not liable on Tuesday (March 17).

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Katy Perry

“It is undisputed in this case, even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to plaintiffs, that the signature elements of the 8-note ostinato in ‘Joyful Noise’… is not a particularly unique or rare combination, even in its deployment as an ostinato: prior compositions, including prior works composed by the parties, as well as what all agree is a separate non-infringing ostinato in ‘Dark Horse,’ all contain similar elements,” the judge declared in her opinion.

“Because the sole musical phrase that plaintiffs claim infringement upon is not protectable expression, the extrinsic test is not satisfied, and plaintiffs’ infringement claim — even with the evidence construed in plaintiffs’ favor — fails as a matter of law,” the decision continues to read. Click here to read the decision in full.

Find out more about the lawsuit, and what the jury originally ruled.

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Posted to: Katy Perry