In a case that has been brewing since 2013, “Blurred Lines” has finally received its judgment to the sum of millions. As a refresher, singers Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams were sued by Marvin Gaye’s family for copyright infringement with their song “Blurred Lines,” claiming it was too musically similar to Gaye’s classic, “Got to Give it Up.” In the summer, we discussed here how the Thicke/Williams lawyer was going to go for an appeal after a judge decided in favor of the Gaye’s estate. (See: We Know They Want It: Thicke/William’s Lawyer Appeals in “Blurred Lines” Case) Now, a judge has decided that indeed the song is guilty of copyright infringement, granting $5.3 million and 50% of the song’s royalties to the Gayes. This is one of the biggest copyright infringement decisions ever, and it can have wide ranging consequences, primarily because “Blurred Lines” does not copy any specific notes or lyrics from Gaye’s hit; it copies the “vibe.”
Check out a full article on this decision and what it could mean for the music industry here.
And while you’re at it, take a listen to the classic R&B song that may have inspired the “vibe” of “Blurred Lines.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4r0-LJZBDM
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