# Bad Bunny asks judge to reconsider reggaeton ‘dembow’ copyright ruling or certify it for appeal to the Ninth Circuit

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/bad-bunny-asks-judge-to-reconsider-reggaeton-dembow-copyright-ruling-or-certify-it-for-appeal-to-the-ninth-circuit/
- Published: 2026-07-16T14:34:20+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-26T14:15:11+00:00
- Original publisher: Music Business Worldwide
- Original article: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bad-bunny-asks-judge-to-reconsider-reggaeton-dembow-copyright-ruling-or-certify-it-for-appeal-to-the-ninth-circuit/
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Bad Bunny challenges ruling keeping him in reggaeton "dembow" copyright case
- Defendants say plaintiffs' claim mixes elements from three separate works
- Case could go to Ninth Circuit appeal; hearing set for 14 August

## Summary

Bad Bunny and his label, Rimas Entertainment, have asked a US federal judge to reconsider a ruling that keeps them in a copyright lawsuit over the "dembow" rhythm underpinning reggaeton music. In a motion filed on 15 July, the defendants asked the Central District of California court to revisit its 1 July decision or, alternatively, to certify the matter for immediate appeal to the Ninth Circuit, arguing the case hinges on a key legal question that has yet to be properly resolved.

The dispute centres on claims by Cleveland "Clevie" Browne of Steely & Clevie, who alleges infringement of a protectable combination of rhythms. Bad Bunny and Rimas contend the plaintiffs have pieced together a "Frankenstein" claim from three separate works, none of which contains all seven elements the court has identified, and cite Judge André Birotte Jr.'s own hearing remarks questioning this inconsistency. The lawsuit names over 150 artists, including Karol G, Daddy Yankee, Drake and Justin Bieber, alongside major labels, with a future phase set to examine whether hits such as Despacito copied the 1989 track Fish Market; the reconsideration motion is due to be heard on 14 August.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.