Taylor Swift Hit with Copyright Lawsuit: Legal Battle or Baseless Claim?

Another copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against Taylor Swift and several of her collaborators, once again raising questions about the validity of such claims in the music industry. Florida artist Kimberly Marasco, who previously sued Swift in 2024, has now filed a second lawsuit, increasing her damages demand from $7 million to $25 million.

Understanding the Case

Marasco’s original lawsuit against Swift and her production company, Taylor Swift Productions, Inc., was dismissed without prejudice in December 2024 due to procedural issues. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that Swift had not been properly served, leading to her removal from the case. However, the claims against Swift’s production company remain pending.

Marasco has now filed a separate complaint targeting Swift’s collaborators, including Universal Music Group, Republic Records, and songwriters Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner.

The lawsuit claims that several of Swift’s songs from The Tortured Poets Department and earlier albums infringe on Marasco’s work. However, given the vast number of copyright infringement cases that have been filed against successful artists—and the high burden of proof required—this claim may face significant legal hurdles. Proving direct copying or substantial similarity in an industry where common themes and musical elements are frequently used can be a challenging task.

Legal Challenges and Implications

Copyright infringement claims in the music industry must demonstrate that the plaintiff owns a valid copyright, that the defendant had access to the work, and that there is a substantial similarity between the two. These cases often hinge on whether the similarities go beyond general creative influences or common musical structures.

Marasco’s case is further complicated by procedural missteps, such as failure to properly serve the lawsuit, which led to Swift’s dismissal from the first case. Additionally, Judge Cannon recently struck one of Marasco’s filings for failing to follow court rules, raising further questions about the strength of her legal strategy.

Protecting Intellectual Property Rights

While copyright law exists to protect original creative works, cases like this highlight the fine line between inspiration and infringement. At Ed White Law, we focus on securing and defending intellectual property rights, ensuring that our clients’ creative and business assets are protected. Whether it’s enforcing a trademark or defending against unfounded claims, we are committed to navigating the complexities of intellectual property law with precision and expertise.