Big Hit Music has formally rejected a copyright infringement lawsuit alleging that BTS’s hit track “SWIM” copied an unpublished demo, asserting the song is an original independent creation. This denial marks a critical moment for publishers, songwriters, and rights holders navigating the rising tide of US copyright suits targeting major labels and their global artists. The dispute the legal friction between independent creators seeking co-writing credit or damages and labels defending their catalog integrity against unsubstantiated claims.
Label Rejects Unsubstantiated Allegations
Big Hit Music, the HYBE subsidiary managing BTS, stated on Friday that the allegations in the lawsuit are unilateral and unsubstantiated. The label confirmed it will respond firmly through the appropriate legal process, maintaining that “SWIM” is an independent creation. The copyright complaint was filed against Big Hit Music and the credited writers of “SWIM” on Wednesday. The three US songwriters allege that the lead single from BTS’s latest project reproduces a demo of the same name they wrote and recorded in early 2023. According to the complaint, the plaintiffs sent their recording to industry contacts, including the publisher Artist Publishing Group, and a listening report attached to the filing shows representatives at the publisher played the demo.
Musicologist Claims Copying Is Inescapable
The plaintiffs registered their composition with the US Copyright Office and claim the demo reached writers who worked on BTS tracks. They commissioned a musicologist to compare the two songs, who concluded that independent creation of the BTS track can be ruled out and copying is the inescapable conclusion. The songwriters are seeking an injunction against further use of “SWIM,” along with damages and a share of profits. Alternatively, they request co-writing credit for nearly all of the track. BTS members and HYBE executives are not named as defendants, though the songwriters are credited as writers. This case is the third US copyright suit filed against HYBE, following suits over the reality show I-Land and NewJeans’ 2024 single. A New York publisher also sued HYBE and ADOR over similar allegations, asserting no form of copying took place.
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