Parkwood Fights Sample Claim: "Tangled" Copyright Lawsuit

Parkwood Entertainment is urging a judge to permanently dismiss legal claims concerning a sample used in Beyoncé's 2022 track "Alien Superstar." The label, representing Beyoncé, also seeks financial sanctions against the plaintiff, Shuji Hirose. Hirose has been asserting copyright claims over the intro, which samples John Holiday's 1998 song "Moonraker."

It is undisputed that Parkwood licensed the sample from Holiday for $10,000 and a 0.5% royalty share. However, Hirose alleges he is the true owner of "Moonraker" and should have been part of the licensing agreement. This lawsuit was previously dismissed but refiled by Hirose.

Parkwood contends that Hirose has altered his account of copyright ownership. Initially, Hirose claimed to have purchased half of the publishing rights in 1998, a claim that would have permitted Holiday to license the composition. The lawsuit has since been amended to state Hirose bought 100% of the copyright. Parkwood argues these conflicting statements demonstrate bad faith and warrant terminating and monetary sanctions against Hirose and his attorney, DaShawn Hayes.

Parkwood's legal team, from Latham & Watkins, stated that Hirose and Hayes' admissions that Holiday retains co-ownership and licensing rights make the plaintiffs' claims baseless. A hearing on these motions is scheduled for February. The ongoing lawsuit also names Sony Music, Warner Chappell Music, and Beyoncé herself as defendants, with Holiday also being sued for breach of contract.