The former Destiny's Child star faces a demand for damages over the use of the song "I'm Kissing You," which was originally recorded by the '90s British soul diva.
A different version featured on Beyonce's B'Day album last year, with a new title of "Still In Love (I'm Kissing You)."
In the case, which was filed at Manhattan's Federal Court yesterday, Des'ree demanded $150,000 in damages and an immediate end to the distribution of the song.
She also claims the two parties originally discussed the possibility of agreeing a cover before Knowles decided to go ahead without reaching any terms.
Worst lyrics of all time revealed
May 7, 2007 3:00 pm PDT
Des'ree's 1990s hit "Life" contains the worst pop lyrics of all time, according to a listener poll held by BBC 6 Music. Thanks to music fans voting in the station's Taxing Lyrical survey, Des'ree won the unflattering honor over Razorlight...