Lizzo is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by the GRC Trust, which alleges her song “I’m Goin’ In Till October” unauthorizedly samples their composition “Win or Lose (We Tried)” without permission, despite the track never being commercially released. Her representatives have expressed surprise, emphasizing that no decision has been made about a future release, while the trust seeks damages and an injunction.
According to court documents, the lawsuit targets Lizzo and her label, Atlantic Records, claiming that both instrumental and vocal elements were copied from the trust’s copyrighted work. The GRC Trust asserts that attempts were made to negotiate a sample license but no agreement was reached, leading to the infringement allegations. This legal action highlights the risks artists face when using third-party content, even in unreleased material shared on social media platforms.
The song, also known as “Good Jeans,” was posted on TikTok and Instagram earlier in 2025 and gained viral traction, though it was never monetized or formally distributed. Lizzo’s team has clarified that the track remains unreleased commercially, which adds a unique dimension to the case regarding copyright enforcement for digital content. The trust argues that the song’s popularity on social media constitutes commercial benefit, justifying their claim for damages.
This is not Lizzo’s first encounter with copyright disputes; her 2019 hit “Truth Hurts” involved claims from producers and a social media user over co-authorship, which were eventually resolved with credit agreements. That history provides context for the current lawsuit, suggesting ongoing challenges in navigating intellectual property in the music industry. It also reflects broader trends where viral content on platforms like TikTok can lead to legal scrutiny.
The case raises questions about how copyright law applies to unreleased works, particularly those shared informally online. Legal experts may debate whether such use falls under fair use exceptions or requires full licensing, especially when no direct revenue is generated. The outcome could influence how artists and labels handle sampling in the digital age, potentially leading to more cautious approaches to social media promotions.
As the lawsuit progresses, it will likely involve examinations of the songs’ similarities and the intent behind the sampling. Both parties may present evidence on whether the use was transformative or directly infringing, with possible implications for future cases involving unreleased music. The music industry is watching closely, as a ruling in favor of the trust could encourage more claims against viral social media content.
Ultimately, this case underscores the evolving landscape of copyright in the era of digital sharing, where even non-commercial releases can spark legal battles. For Lizzo, it represents another legal hurdle amid her career, while for the industry, it may prompt clearer guidelines on sampling and social media use. The resolution will depend on court interpretations of infringement criteria and the specific facts presented.