Beyoncé’s record label, Parkwood Entertainment, has filed a court motion seeking the dismissal of a copyright lawsuit linked to “Alien Superstar”. The case concerns a spoken-word sample used at the opening of the song. “Alien Superstar” appeared on Beyoncé’s 2022 album Renaissance.
Sample Dispute Background
The lawsuit was filed by Soundmen on Wax Records, an independent label. The label claims ownership of the 1998 electronic track “Moonraker.” That recording contains the spoken dialogue sampled in “Alien Superstar.” Soundmen argues it should have approved the use of the sample.
Parkwood’s Licensing Defence and Ownership Claims
Parkwood Entertainment states that it licensed the sample before releasing “Alien Superstar.” Court records show the label obtained master recording and composition licences from “Moonraker” artist John Holiday, paying $10,000 as part of the agreement.
The dispute focuses on whether John Holiday had the authority to grant these licences. Soundmen on Wax claims it acquired rights to “Moonraker” through a 1998 distribution agreement, but Parkwood says no documentation proving a transfer of rights exists.
Parkwood argues it followed standard clearance procedures using the available ownership records and had no notice of competing claims. The company maintains that the licence remains valid and enforceable and asks the court to dismiss the case without further proceedings.
Industry Response and Album Context
Sony Music and Warner Chappell, also named in the lawsuit, support the dismissal request. Renaissance debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in August 2022. The album included multiple licensed samples. Previous lawsuits connected to other tracks were later withdrawn.
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