No, it is not impossible for a remix or mashup to infringe copyright. Remixes and mashups typically involve using copyrighted materials, such as music, without permission from the original creators. Whether or not a remix or mashup infringes copyright depends on several factors, including:
Fair Use: In some cases, a remix or mashup may be considered fair use under copyright law, especially if it's for purposes like criticism, commentary, education, or parody. However, fair use is a complex and context-specific legal doctrine.
Licensing: Obtaining proper licenses and permissions from copyright holders can make a remix or mashup legally compliant.
Transformative Use: If the remix or mashup significantly transforms the original work, adding new creative elements and meaning, it may have a better chance of being legally defensible.
Non-Commercial vs. Commercial Use: Commercial use of remixes or mashups is more likely to face copyright infringement claims than non-commercial use.
Market Impact: If the remix or mashup negatively impacts the market for the original work, it could lead to copyright infringement claims.