Ariana Grande and the Copyright Lawsuit : What You Need to Know

The Wicked actress, Ariana Grande is no stranger to the spotlight, but in 2021, there was a phase where headlines weren’t about her vocals or chart-toppers—they were about a copyright lawsuit. Whether you're a fan of her music or just interested in how intellectual property works in the entertainment industry, this case offers a fascinating look into how the law treats creative ownership.

Ariana Grande in one of her hit songs, "7 Rings" which released in 2019.

📌  What Actually Happened?

The lawsuit alleges that one of Ariana’s songs which released in 2019—7 Rings—that resembles similarity to a previously released track by New York artist, Josh Stone. Stone alleged similarities in the beat, hook, lyrics, rhythmic structure, and metrical placement between the two songs. He also claimed he had played his song for Universal Music Group Publishing in 2017, with one of Grande's producers present.

There was no formal court victory for either side. The lawsuit was settled out of court in March 2021. The judge dismissed the case after both parties reached a confidential settlement agreement. The terms of the settlement, including any financial payment or songwriting credits, were not disclosed, and there is no public record of Stone being added as a credited songwriter on "7 Rings"

🎼 Can You Really Copyright a Song?

Absolutely! Copyright law is a key part of the music industry—it protects original musical compositions, including:

• Melodies

• Lyrics

• Harmonies

• And in some cases, arrangements

In fact, there was a period when copyright cases were in the news almost simultaneously. In 2021, Olivia Rodrigo's "Good 4 U," which was compared to Paramore's "Misery Business," was one of the most talked-about examples. Even though the issue was never taken to court, similarities were so great that Paramore's members were eventually given credit as co-writers.

Events such as these demonstrate the sensitivity of the music industry to influence and creativity. These disagreements have surfaced more easily than ever before due to the abundance of music being created and shared online, making it more difficult to distinguish between imitation and inspiration.

Olivia Rodrigo (left) gave songwriting credit to Paramore’s Hayley Williams (right) 

after “Good 4 U” drew comparisons to “Misery Business.” 

But here’s where it gets tricky: not every similarity is considered infringement. Music often shares common elements, especially in pop where certain structures and chord progressions are reused frequently. Courts look at factors such as:

• Access: Did the defendant likely hear the original work?

• Substantial similarity: Are the two pieces alike in ways that matter legally, not just sonically?

• Originality: Is the plaintiff’s work original enough to qualify for protection?

🧑‍⚖️ What Could Happen Next?

If the court finds liable reason(s) for infringement, the consequences could include:

• Financial damages or settlements

• Retroactive songwriting credit to the original creator

• Possible removal of the song from digital platforms

That said, many of these cases settle out of court, especially when both parties want to avoid the cost and attention of a lengthy trial.

🎓 What Artists and Creatives Should Take Away

This case is a useful reminder for anyone working in music or the arts:

• Document your creative process. Drafts, demos, and timestamps can be crucial in proving originality.

• Be mindful of your influences. Inspiration is inevitable, but direct borrowing—especially without permission—can lead to legal trouble.

• Register your work. Formal copyright registration makes it easier to take legal action if your work is copied.