The Core of the Dispute

Drake filed a‍ lawsuit in ⁤November 2023 against UMG, claiming the ⁢song ‍”Not Like Us” infringed on his ⁣copyright and violated his right of publicity. He argued‍ the song used an AI-generated voice that closely resembled his own without his permission. Drake further alleged the song’s release⁣ caused him personal harm,including attempted break-ins at his Toronto ⁢home and ‍a security guard being shot,linking these events to the song’s artwork.

According to Billboard, the artwork in question featured an aerial view of Drake’s mansion sourced from Google Maps,⁣ overlaid with what Drake claimed were “sex offender markers.” Judge Vargas, however, found these markers to be “obviously exaggerated and doctored,” stating no reasonable person would believe they represented actual law enforcement designations.

Judge ‍Vargas’s Ruling

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall Vargas dismissed the lawsuit on October 10, 2025, finding drake failed to demonstrate a likelihood of success on his claims. The judge specifically noted the contentious language and accusations exchanged between Drake and the ⁣song’s creators would not lead a reasonable listener to believe the song presented factual information about Drake.

As reported⁤ by Rolling Stone, Judge vargas wrote, “The acrimonious language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants…would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts ⁤verifiable facts about Plaintiff.”

The Alleged Security Concerns

Drake’s lawsuit ‍also⁤ connected the song’s release to security incidents at his Toronto residence. He claimed the artwork,specifically the depiction of his home,contributed to attempted break-ins and an incident where a security guard was shot.Judge Vargas dismissed these⁣ claims as speculative and not directly linked ⁣to the song itself.

Reactions and Next Steps

Drake’s legal team has announced their intention to appeal the ruling. In a statement released after the dismissal, they expressed their anticipation for the Court of Appeals to review the case.⁤ UMG, on the other ⁢hand, celebrated the dismissal, calling the lawsuit “an affront to all artists and their creative expression.”

UMG stated, according to The Hollywood Reporter, “We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal⁤ and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music⁤ and investing in his career.”