U.S. Judge Sends Landmark Reggaeton Dembow Rhythm Copyright Case to Jury

U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. ruled that the dispute over the ownership of the iconic dembow rhythm must be decided by a jury, finding the factual issues too complex for summary judgment. The case centers on Jamaican production duo Steely & Clevie, who claim their 1989 instrumental “Fish Market” created a protectable version of the rhythm, and allege that nearly 2,000 recordings by more than 150 artists—including Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Drake, Justin Bieber and Luis Fonsi—have infringed their copyright.

The judge noted competing expert opinions on whether the rhythm constitutes a coherent, original arrangement or derives from older musical traditions such as the habanera. By sending the matter to a jury, the ruling keeps the lawsuit alive and could set a precedent for how courts treat rhythmic patterns and sampling in the music industry. Future proceedings will focus on whether the defendants had access to “Fish Market” and whether the contested songs copied protected elements.