Brief
Pharrell seeks dismissal of Chad Hugo copyright suit
Williams argues Hugo’s claims are too vague to respond to and asks the case be dismissed.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Pharrell Williams filed a new motion on Wednesday asking a federal court to dismiss the copyright lawsuit brought by his former Neptunes partner Chad Hugo, according to a filing obtained by Rolling Stone.
Williams and his lawyers contend that Hugo’s original complaint identified only the album No One Ever Really Dies without naming specific songs, and that an amended complaint later listed eight tracks that Hugo subsequently removed. The latest version cites only EarthGang’s “U Gotta,” but does not clarify whether the claim concerns the composition, the sound recording, or both. The motion describes the complaint as “vague and ambiguous,” asserting that defendants cannot reasonably prepare a response.
Williams also argues that without a viable federal copyright claim, Hugo’s state‑law claims for breach of fiduciary duty and an incomplete accounting should be dismissed, though he says those could be pursued separately in state court. The lawsuit alleges Hugo is owed damages exceeding $1 million from the album alone, which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard charts. Hugo’s lawyer did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone’s request for comment, and the court has not set a hearing date.
Key facts
- Pharrell Williams filed a motion to dismiss Chad Hugo's copyright lawsuit. (rollingstone.com)
- The latest complaint identifies only EarthGang’s “U Gotta” and lacks clarity on the type of copyright claimed. (rollingstone.com)
- Williams argues the suit is vague, preventing a reasonable defense. (rollingstone.com)
- Hugo’s state‑law claims could be pursued separately in state court. (rollingstone.com)
- The court has not yet ruled on the dismissal motion or set a hearing. (rollingstone.com)
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “Pharrell Wants 'Vague and Ambiguous' Chad Hugo Copyright Lawsuit Tossed”
