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Victory Boyd, a singer-songwriter signed to Roc Nation, has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Travis Scott, SZA, and Future, alleging that their song "Telekinesis" from Scott's 2023 album Utopia unlawfully incorporates elements of her 2019 track, "Like the Way It Sounds."
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, claims Boyd initially shared her song with Kanye West in 2019. West reportedly recorded his version, titled "Ultrasounds," during sessions in Wyoming. Boyd alleges that Scott accessed the song in a studio where she left her original work, and later, Scott, SZA, and Future used the lyrics and melodies without her consent. Boyd's legal team asserts, "Scott gained access to the studio plaintiff left the original work in and began creating the infringing work."
The suit highlights notable similarities between the two tracks, accusing the defendants of "intentional and willful" copyright infringement. Although Boyd was credited as a co-writer for "Telekinesis," she claims she was unaware of its commercial release until 2023. She rejected an offer of 8% writing credit, insisting she never authorized the use of her song, as she had planned to release her version under Roc Nation.
The lawsuit also implicates multiple entities, including Scott’s label, Cactus Jack Records, producer Jahaan Sweet, Sony Music Entertainment, and luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet. The latter allegedly used "Telekinesis" in an advertising campaign without securing Boyd's permision. The suit states, "The defendants and AP partnered to publish and commercially release an advertising campaign broadcasting the infringing work over the plaintiff’s objection.
Boyd is demanding the destruction of all copies of music derived from her original work and seeks damages, profits, and interest. She also requests a detailed account of all revenue generated from the song's distribution and marketing. Furthermore, the lawsuit calls for an injunction to prevent further use of the disputed track.
Representatives for Scott, SZA, and Future have yet to comment on the allegations.