Ariana’s popular 2019 hit ‘7 rings’ is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Josh Stone for infringing the copyright rights of his song ‘You Need It, I Got It’, a song produced in 2017. He is alleging that Universal Music and Tommy Brown have used a substantial part of his work and had access to the song, therefore infringing his copyright rights.
He claims that he played the song in 2017 for music executives and producers, including Tommy Brown who has worked with the popular artist for all 5 of her studio albums and alleging that Tommy liked the song a lot. Therefore, Tommy has knowingly infringed his work and copied him in the chorus of Ariana Grande’s ‘7 rings’.
He is also claiming that two forensic musicologists have found that the rhythm and notes within the song are similar as well. Josh Stone is alleging that the 39 notes in the songs, as well as segments of the lyrics, are identical.
John Stone is seeking damages as a result of a loss of reputation he otherwise would have gained if he was credited on the song. He is also looking to destroy all copies of the song.
If it is found that ‘7 rings’ has taken a significant part then it’s likely that John Stone’s case has succeeded. This is because copyright protects the song for 70 years when published and as a colleague has listened to the song, and used part of it, and the fact of the similarity, Stone would be awarded damages. However, it is also possible for this to result into a settlement as the court fees for a case like this could be quite expensive.
Written By Owen White Third Year Law Student at Solent University
