Parkwood Entertainment Seeks Dismissal in Copyright Suit
The company has requested sanctions against the plaintiff in a refiled legal battle over song sampling rights.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in R&B
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Parkwood Entertainment has filed a motion to dismiss a refiled copyright infringement lawsuit regarding the track Moonraker. The company also requested monetary sanctions, citing allegedly contradictory statements made by the plaintiff.
Why it matters
Parkwood Entertainment argues the lawsuit was filed in bad faith based on false allegations. The company contends that it properly cleared the sample with artist John Holiday, who received $10,000 and a 0.5% royalty share.
The song Alien Superstar, which utilized the Moonraker sample, reached a peak position of No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022. The plaintiff now alleges to hold a 100% copyright stake in the original 1998 track.
The players
Parkwood Entertainment
This is a management and entertainment company founded by the performer Beyoncé.
Shuji Hirose
He is the plaintiff who is suing for copyright infringement and breach of contract.
John Holiday
He is a musician who released the track Moonraker in 1998.
Beyoncé
She is a globally recognized recording artist and the primary figure behind Parkwood Entertainment.
DaShawn Hayes
He is the attorney representing the legal interests of the parties involved in the scheduled motions.
The details
Shuji Hirose refiled the lawsuit in August 2026 after an initial dismissal in June 2026, claiming ownership of the Moonraker track. The current complaint names Sony Music, Warner Chappell Music, and Beyoncé as defendants, while also suing John Holiday for breach of contract.
Timeline
John Holiday released the track Moonraker in 1998.
Alien Superstar peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022.
The initial copyright lawsuit was dismissed in June 2026.
Parkwood Entertainment filed the motion to dismiss and for sanctions on October 15, 2026.
A court hearing for the case is scheduled for February 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This dispute follows a pattern set by the ongoing legal scrutiny of sample clearance in the music industry. It highlights the complexities of verifying chain-of-title documentation in high-profile entertainment litigation.
The ongoing litigation does not currently impact the availability of the music for streaming or public consumption. Listeners can continue to access the songs on all major digital platforms as the court process continues.
The takeaway
This case underscores the vital importance of maintaining precise documentation for music publishing rights and sample clearances. Content creators and labels are reminded that clear ownership records are necessary to defend against future copyright claims.
What happens next
Attorney DaShawn Hayes is expected to submit a written response to the pending motions prior to the court hearing currently set for February 2027.
Further reading
For more on industry legal trends, visit the United States R&B section.
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