In an unexpected twist that's reverberated across the music industry, Grammy Award-winning artist Lizzo and her record label, Atlantic Records, find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle over a song that never even made it to the official charts. The track in question, titled *I’m Goin’ In Till October* and affectionately dubbed *“Good Jeans”* by fans, has become the center of a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by The GRC Trust.

This lawsuit claims that *“Good Jeans”* unlawfully incorporates “both instrumental and vocal elements” from The GRC Trust’s copyrighted song, *Win or Lose (We Tried)*. Despite the song never being officially released, it gained substantial traction on TikTok, sparking thousands of fan-created videos and generating significant online buzz.

The legal stakes are high, with The GRC Trust seeking $150,000 in damages and a permanent injunction against the song’s release. Legal experts suggest that if the infringement is found to be willful, the penalties could be severe under US copyright law.

The Viral Leak That Became a Legal Disaster

For Lizzo’s millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram, *“Good Jeans”* was nothing short of a viral sensation. However, this online popularity is exactly what led to the current legal predicament. According to court documents, there had been discussions between the parties about a potential licensing agreement for the sample used in the song, but no agreement was reached.

This scenario highlights a growing trend in the music industry where artists face legal challenges over leaked demos that go viral before any official release or licensing agreements are in place. This was similarly seen in a recent case involving Kanye West and his unreleased track *“Gun to My Head”*.

The $150,000 Legal Threat: Can an Unreleased Song Break the Law?

Although *“Good Jeans”* was never commercially released, copyright protection under Title 17 of the U.S. Code kicks in the moment an original work is fixed in a tangible medium. This means even an unreleased demo is protected under copyright laws.

A Pattern of Legal Struggles Deepens Lizzo’s Woes

This isn't the first time Lizzo has faced legal issues. Less than a year ago, she was involved in multiple lawsuits with former dancers over allegations of a hostile work environment, among other claims. While some allegations were dismissed, others are still ongoing, complicating her legal landscape further.

The Industry’s ‘TikTok Trap’ Warning

This case serves as a cautionary tale for artists in the digital age, where a simple test clip can unexpectedly transform into a commercial asset due to viral fame. The GRC Trust argues that Lizzo and Atlantic Records capitalized on the massive social media engagement, constituting exploitation under the law.

The Bottom Line: Will “Good Jeans” Ever See the Light of Day?

The outcome of this lawsuit may hinge on whether *“Good Jeans”* contains identifiable elements from *Win or Lose (We Tried)*. If so, Lizzo and her label might opt for a costly settlement to avoid a public trial. This situation underscores a vital lesson for the music industry in the era of social media and viral content: clear it, or don’t use it.