Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti track, highlighting growing complexities in Latin music copyright and sampling disputes.
Global music icon Bad Bunny scored a legal victory in March 2026 after a federal judge dismissed a copyright lawsuit concerning “Enséñame a Bailar”, from his chart-topping album Un Verano Sin Ti.
The lawsuit, filed in 2025 by Nigerian producer Ezeani Chidera Godfrey, professionally known as Dera, claimed that the song used an unauthorized sample from his 2019 track “Empty My Pocket”.
On March 9, 2026, the court dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the claims cannot be refiled. Court documents indicate the dismissal followed the plaintiff’s abandonment of the case after his legal team withdrew in January 2026, citing “irreparable differences.” Dera missed court deadlines and a critical discovery hearing in February. Bad Bunny’s legal team maintained that the sample had been properly licensed through a third-party distributor.
Music law experts note that such outcomes are increasingly common as streaming-era Latin music faces tighter scrutiny over samples and vocal recordings. “Artists navigating global success must ensure every sound clip, sample, or voice snippet is properly cleared,” said Dr. Marisol Vega. “Even minor missteps can lead to multi-million-dollar litigation.”
Other High-Profile Lawsuits Continue
While the “Enséñame a Bailar” case is closed, Bad Bunny remains involved in multiple active lawsuits:
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$40 Million Case – Carliz De La Cruz Hernández: Alleging unauthorized use of her voice recording saying “Bad Bunny, baby” in Dos Mil 16 and other songs. Ongoing in Puerto Rico as of February 2026.
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$16 Million Case – Tainaly Y. Serrano Rivera: Claims her voice was used without consent in tracks Solo de Mí (2018) and EoO (2025). Court hearing expected May 2026.
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Steely & Clevie “Fish Market” Lawsuit: Jamaican producers allege that over 100 reggaeton artists, including Bad Bunny, used the iconic 1989 drum pattern without permission. Consolidated case continues in federal court.
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“Safaera” Sampling Dispute: Allegations that tracks from YHLQMDLG included unauthorized samples from DJ Playero mixtapes. Parties reached a tentative settlement in 2023.
Implications for Latin Music and Global Streaming
This dismissal underscores the legal intricacies of Latin music’s global rise. As reggaeton and Latin trap dominate charts worldwide, copyright enforcement and sample clearance have become crucial, with courts increasingly shaping how producers document and license creative contributions.
According to Recording Industry Association of America and streaming metrics from Spotify, Bad Bunny remains one of the most streamed artists worldwide, illustrating the high stakes behind these legal disputes.
“Artists and labels must balance creative experimentation with legal diligence,” said Dr. Vega. “Cases like this will guide the next generation of Latin music globally.”
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