3 Count: Back to Basics

Have any suggestions for the 3 Count? Let me know via Twitter @plagiarismtoday.

1: Artist Daniel Arsham Sues Rapper Quavo in Copyright Case

First off today, Francesca Aton at ARTnews reports that artist Daniel Arsham has filed a lawsuit against the rapper Quavo and companies connected with him over the use of one of Arsham’s sculptures in a promotional video.

According to Arsham, Quavo used one of his sculptures, Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT (2018), in a promotional video entitled Back to Basics 2025. The video was posted to the rapper’s social media accounts in December 2024 and was followed by various stills from the video that also featured the sculpture.

Arsham is claiming direct, vicarious and contributory copyright infringement. He is also suing for an alleged violation of his right to publicity. He is seeking both an injunction and monetary damages in the case.

2: Top Court Rules New Copyright Law Unconstitutional

Next up today, the CyprusMail reports that, in Cyprus, the country’s Supreme Constitutional Court has struck down a 2024 copyright management law, declaring it unconstitutional.

The now-annulled law aimed to overhaul the country’s collective management provisions. It provided for the collection of royalties by various collective management organizations that the country’s intellectual property authority would oversee.

However, the law was controversial almost immediately after passage, with some saying that its passage violated the separation of powers. In addition to those procedural issues, the court highlighted that intellectual property rights are personal and absolute.

3: Musician Medikal Accused of Copyright Infringement Over “Welcome to Africa” Song

Finally, today, B&FT Online reports that Ghanaian musician Medikal is facing a potential copyright infringement lawsuit from the group Alabaster Box.

Alabaster Box created the song Akwaaba, which they claim Medikal sampled in his recent song Welcome to Africa. After the release of Welcome to Africa, the band sent a letter to Medikal demanding that he cease using their music, but Medikal did not comply.

Though no copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed yet, it represents a dispute between two prominent artists in the country. Medikal has not responded publicly to the allegations.

The 3 Count Logo was created by Justin Goff and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.