Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has secured a decisive legal victory after a federal judge dismissed a $50 million copyright infringement lawsuit connected to her 2024 single
Enough (Miami). The ruling delivers a significant win for the artist and highlights
critical legal standards governing copyright claims in the music industry.
Background of the Copyright Dispute
The lawsuit was filed in July 2024 by producers Joshua Fraustro and Miguel Aguilar, collectively known as Kemikal956. They alleged that Cardi B’s track
Enough (Miami) unlawfully copied elements from their earlier song
Greasy Frybread, which they created for rapper Sten Joddi. The plaintiffs claimed their work had gained recognition after being featured in the television series
Reservation Dogs.
According to the complaint, the producers argued that Cardi B’s song replicated distinctive components of their track, including rhythm, structure, and overall sound. They sought $50 million in damages, asserting that the alleged infringement caused financial harm and damaged their professional reputation within the music industry.
Federal Court Dismisses the Case
On March 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice. While this technically allows the plaintiffs to refile the case in another jurisdiction, the court’s reasoning revealed substantial weaknesses in both the procedural and substantive aspects of the claims.
One of the central issues was lack of personal jurisdiction. The plaintiffs filed the case in Texas, arguing that Cardi B’s performances in the state established sufficient legal grounds. However, the court determined that her appearances were part of a nationwide tour and not specifically targeted toward Texas in a way that would justify jurisdiction.
This finding alone was enough to dismiss the case, but the court went further by addressing the merits of the copyright claims.
Failure to Establish Copyright Ownership
A critical flaw in the plaintiffs’ argument was their failure to hold a registered copyright at the time of the alleged infringement. Under U.S. copyright law, registration is generally required before a lawsuit can proceed.
Although the producers later obtained copyright registration for
Greasy Frybread in October 2025, the court ruled that this did not retroactively fix the issue. Without proper registration at the time of the alleged infringement, the claim lacked a fundamental legal requirement.
This aspect of the ruling underscores a key takeaway for artists and producers: timely copyright registration is essential for enforcing intellectual property rights.
State Law Claims Also Rejected
In addition to copyright infringement, the plaintiffs brought several state law claims, including unfair competition and defamation. However, the court found that these claims were preempted by federal copyright law, meaning they could not proceed independently because they were essentially based on the same underlying allegations.
This further weakened the plaintiffs’ case and reinforced the court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit in its entirety.
Court Denies Further Amendments
The plaintiffs attempted to revise their complaint multiple times to address legal deficiencies. However, Judge Rodriguez concluded that any further amendments would be “futile,” indicating that the core issues in the case could not be resolved through additional revisions.
As a result, the court declined to grant leave for further amendments, effectively closing the case in its current form.
Implications for the Music Industry
The dismissal of this high-profile lawsuit carries broader implications for copyright litigation in the music business. It highlights the importance of:
- Proper jurisdiction when filing lawsuits
- Timely copyright registration
- Clear evidence of substantial similarity between works
For artists like Cardi B, the ruling reinforces legal protections against claims that lack sufficient evidentiary and procedural support.
Continued Legal Momentum for Cardi B
This decision marks another courtroom success for Cardi B, who has faced and overcome several legal challenges in recent years. The dismissal removes a major legal obstacle as she continues to promote
Enough (Miami) and expand her presence in the music industry.
What Happens Next?
Although the case was dismissed without prejudice, allowing for potential refiling, the court’s detailed analysis suggests that any renewed legal action would face significant hurdles. The jurisdictional issues and lack of timely copyright registration remain substantial barriers for the plaintiffs.
For now, Cardi B’s
legal victory stands as a strong example of how courts evaluate copyright infringement claims and enforce procedural requirements in federal litigation.
Conclusion
The dismissal of the $50 million copyright lawsuit against Cardi B underscores the importance of adhering to strict legal standards in intellectual property disputes. From jurisdictional requirements to copyright registration, the case serves as a reminder that
successful claims must be built on solid legal foundations.
As the music industry continues to grapple with complex copyright issues, this ruling provides clarity on how courts approach such disputes favoring well-documented, procedurally sound claims over speculative allegations.
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