Dupri and Jacquees Faced Copyright Lawsuit

The plaintiffs claim their 1992 song was sampled without permission in a 2023 release.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in R&B

Dupri and Jacquees Faced Copyright Lawsuit

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Should songwriters be entitled to significant damages for perceived copyright infringement in their music?

Van and Patrick Watler have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against musicians Jermaine Dupri and Jacquees. The complaint alleges that the defendants used lyrics and musical elements from a 1992 song without proper credit or compensation.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns regarding the use of samples and original compositions in the music industry. It seeks to determine whether legally protected expression was utilized without authorization in the 2023 track.

The plaintiffs are seeking more than $150,000 in damages for the alleged unauthorized use of their 1992 composition. The lawsuit involves a dispute over two songs sharing the same title, Pick It Up, released 31 years apart.

The players

Jermaine Dupri

He is an American record producer, songwriter, and rapper known for his extensive work in the R&B and hip-hop genres.

Jacquees

He is an R&B singer and songwriter who has gained prominence for his contemporary approach to the genre.

Van and Patrick Watler

They are the plaintiffs who initiated the legal action regarding their 1992 musical composition.

Mass Appeal Media

This is a media and entertainment company named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

The details

Filed in the Southern District of Florida, the case Watler et al v. Mauldin et al names Jermaine Dupri, Jacquees, and Mass Appeal Media as defendants. The plaintiffs contend that the 2023 song copied their musical composition and lyrics from the original track released by Home Team.

1992: The original song titled Pick It Up was released by Home Team.
2023: The defendants released a song also titled Pick It Up.

Industry Dynamics

This case follows a pattern set by the Blurred Lines copyright infringement case regarding the legal boundaries of musical inspiration and composition. It underscores how songwriters and producers must navigate complex intellectual property requirements when incorporating older sounds into new tracks.

This legal challenge could influence how the 2023 track is distributed or potentially removed from streaming platforms depending on the court's findings. Listeners should be aware that the availability of specific music may shift based on the resolution of this litigation.

The takeaway

This litigation serves as a reminder of the importance of obtaining clear rights and permissions before sampling or interpolating existing music. Artists and labels are increasingly facing scrutiny over the ownership of foundational elements in modern recordings.