Meta's attempt to dismiss Epidemic Sound's copyright infringement lawsuit has been rejected by Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley. The lawsuit, filed in July, alleges Meta infringed on over 1,800 recordings and compositions from Epidemic Sound's catalog over the past five years.

Epidemic Sound claims Meta illegally offered their works through its music library, allowing users to download, stream, and incorporate tracks into video content without proper licensing or authorization. The company also alleges Meta actively hindered their efforts to protect their catalog.

Meta's dismissal motion argued that Epidemic Sound's complaint lacked specificity regarding the identity and location of infringing content. However, Judge Corley determined the lawsuit provides sufficient "fair notice of what the claim is and the grounds upon which it rests." The court also noted Meta's motion improperly relied on materials outside the complaint.

While approving Meta's request for judicial notice regarding copyright registration records, the court has scheduled a remote case management conference for January 12th. Neither Meta nor Epidemic Sound have publicly commented on the order.

The case (3:22-cv-04223) continues amid broader changes at both companies, with Meta recently laying off 11,000 employees and Epidemic Sound having undergone significant staff reductions in Q2 2020.

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