10:05 pm, May 2nd, 2013
(Island Records)
Justin Bieber and Usher are facing a reported $10 million lawsuit alleging they violated copyright on the teen singer’s song “Somebody to Love.”
In the lawsuit filed Thursday, performer Devin Copeland – also known as De Rico – and songwriter Mareio Overton claim they wrote “Somebody to Love” in 2008, and released it on the De Rico album “My Story II.”
The pair reportedly claim they were eventually put in touch with Usher’s mother (and former manager), who allegedly said the music mogul had listened to the album and wanted Copeland to possibly tour with him.
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Usher later reportedly put out a demo version of “Somebody to Love” on YouTube, and Bieber went on to record it for his 2010 album, My World 2.0, and released it as a single.
A remix version, featuring both Bieber and Usher, was released on Usher’s 2010 Versus EP, and Bieber’s 2011′s Never Say Never: The Remixes.
In their suit, Copeland and Overton allege a number of similarities between their version and Bieber and Usher’s, including the same use of chords, time signature, and chorus hook.
The two are seeking at least $10 million in damages from the two superstars for contributory infringement, vicarious infringement, and copyright infringement, according to The Wrap.
A rep for Bieber had no comment when contacted by Gossip Cop.
Usher’s rep has not yet responded to a request for comment.
We’ll have updates.
Listen to the Bieber/Usher song below, and CLICK HERE for the De Rico version.
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