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Puerto Rico Supreme Court Lets Bad Bunny Voice-Use Lawsuit Proceed

It sends the $40 million claim over alleged unauthorized uses back to trial court for evidentiary proceedings.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico rejected Bad Bunny’s request to dismiss the suit on Thursday, allowing central parts of Carliz de la Cruz Hernández’s complaint to move forward.
  • The court ruled that claims tied to a 2016 song are time‑barred but preserved allegations about the 2022 song “Dos Mil 16” and later concert and promotional uses of the recording.
  • De la Cruz says she recorded the phrase “Bad Bunny, baby” in 2015 at Benito Martínez’s request and is seeking $40 million for violations of image rights, authors’ moral rights, unjust enrichment, and personal damages.
  • Court filings say representatives offered de la Cruz $2,000 in 2022 to resolve the issue, which she rejected, and the Supreme Court’s ruling is procedural so no liability or damages have been decided.
  • Legal observers say the case could clarify when informal or interpersonal voice recordings require written consent and may shape music‑industry practices on licensing and contributor rights.