Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Judge Reconsiders “Fish Market” Rhythm Copyright Ruling

8/16/2026

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. in Los Angeles takes weeks to reconsider his July ruling sending the “Fish Market” case to a jury.
Plaintiffs say the two-bar “Fish Market” rhythm underlies the pattern and could affect 1,800 songs.
Bad Bunny’s attorney Kenneth Freundlich says the pattern is a pastiche, not protectable.
Lawyer Stephen M. Doniger says a timbale pattern exists in “Fish Market,” likening it to a “Monet remix.”

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. in Los Angeles takes weeks to reconsider his July ruling sending the “Fish Market” case to a jury.
Plaintiffs say the two-bar “Fish Market” rhythm underlies the pattern and could affect 1,800 songs.
Bad Bunny’s attorney Kenneth Freundlich says the pattern is a pastiche, not protectable.
Lawyer Stephen M. Doniger says a timbale pattern exists in “Fish Market,” likening it to a “Monet remix.”