Sheppard defeats copyright claim for singer Jason Derulo

A federal jury in Los Angeles on Thursday delivered a verdict in favor of singer Jason Derulo in a closely watched copyright dispute over authorship of his multi-platinum hit "Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat)."

The jury found that the plaintiff, guitarist and music producer Matthew Spatola, failed to prove that he co-wrote the song, or that his contributions were copyrightable. Spatola sought a share of the 25% ownership interest held by Derulo in the musical composition and a share of Sony Music Entertainment's ownership of the sound recording.

Derulo was represented by Joshua M. Rosenberg of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP in Los Angeles, who celebrated the verdict alongside his client following the trial on Thursday.

"It's been my honor and privilege to represent Jason Derulo and Sony Music Entertainment in this case," Rosenberg said outside the courtroom. "The jury devoted a significant portion of their lives to fulfill their sacred role in determining the outcome, and we thank them for their service."

The unanimous jury began deliberations Wednesday afternoon.

Derulo also expressed his thanks to the jury, adding "I just want to get back to the art, get back to creating my passion."

Spatola was represented by Thomas E.M. Werge of Werge & Corbin Law Group in Denver. Plaintiff's counsel was not available for comment following the verdict.

The plaintiff claimed he was a co-author and co-producer of the song, alleging that he contributed original guitar and bass parts and created the song's acoustic section during two recording sessions in April 2020. Spatola sought a declaratory judgment of his joint authorship, along with a pro rata share of profits through a court-ordered accounting and constructive trust. He contended Derulo released the song without providing him the credit or royalties he was due. Spatola v. Desrouleaux et al., 2:23-cv-06191 (C.D. Cal., filed July 31, 2023).

"As a direct result of defendants' refusal to grant Spatola his rightfully earned co-writing credit, Spatola was not given the opportunity to further advance his career in the music industry as a benefit to helping Derulo create the chart-topping song," read an amended complaint filed by Spatola in 2023. "Had Derulo and Sony properly accounted to Spatola, he would have also directly generated substantial royalties."

The defendants argued that Spatola was merely a musician for hire, not a co-author. They contended he lacked creative control, as he worked under Derulo's direction to replicate pre-existing music. Furthermore, they asserted there was no shared intent for co-authorship; Spatola accepted a flat $2,000 fee and originally requested instrumentalist credit, not author/producer status. Defendants also maintained Spatola's contributions were derivative and not independently copyrightable.

In court documents, counsel for Derulo downplayed Spatola's role in creating the song, arguing that he was content to act as a session musician.

"Spatola's session invoice makes no mention that he served as a 'writer' or 'producer.' ... Spatola's actions demonstrate he intended to be paid (and was paid) as a session guitarist, nothing more," read a trial brief filed by Sheppard attorneys.