Everyday I'm Hustlin' Lawsuit Against LMFAO Survives

Roberts v. Gordy, No. 13-24700 (S.D. Fla. dated Feb. 5, 2015).

Performer Rick Ross brought this action against the group LMFAO over use of "Everyday I'm Hustlin'" / "Everyday I'm Shufflin'"  in defendant's song Party Rock Anthem.  LMFAO moved to dismiss on the pleadings plaintiff's copyright and trademark infringement claims.  The Court denied the motion, finding at this stage of the proceedings, plaintiff's allegations were sufficient.  Whether the phrase was copyrightable, or the works were substantially similar, were not appropriate for a motion on the pleadings as those issues would require a fact intensive inquiry.  Similarly, a factual inquiry was required on the trademark claim as to whether the phrase had acquired distinctiveness/secondary meaning.