While they are claiming that the hit song Blurred Lines is an original composition, Pharell Williams and Robin Thicke was still held liable by a jury for infringing the copyright of the 1977 #1 hit song Got to Give it Up by Marvin Gayes.
After months of legal battle, Pharell and Robin was ordered to pay a total of $7.3 million to Gaye's estate, absolving their co-writer, rapper T.I. Gaye's side initially demanded a $25 million damages. The rapper was absolved on the ground that his participation was only with the rap part, which obviously is absent in the 1977 song.
The jury ruled that Blurred Lines was ripped-off from the 1977 single, and has a distinguished similarity. Pharell expressed his disappointment over the decision. He said that he truly created the song from his heart, mind, and soul. He denies copying it from anyone.
Pharell and Robin's side are now looking into their options, and once they decide to appeal, they will inform the public immediately. Gaye's side has yet to comment on their victory.
Pharell, Robin, and T.I. has been under fire since 2013 after Gaye's family sued the singer and songwriters for the alleged copying of Gaye's song without the necessary permission. On the said trial, the jury based decision on the fact that Gaye's side is in possession of the musical sheet of the major elements of the song. It also cited the case of Michael Bolton on his song Love is a Wonderful Thing.
Thicke initially filed a pre-emptive suit against Gaye's heirs after the latter cast legal theats against Thicke. Thicke's single, Sexy Ways, was included before in the suit and was only dropped after parties agreed to settle. Thicke, on the trial, claims he was drunk and high on substance when he recorded the song and Pharell is solely liable.
Lawyers of Pharell and Thicke said the case could taint the image of their artist clients, but they will remain true to their defense that their clients' work is original. They said they just want the truth to come out soon.
Blurred Lines was a hit in 2013. It landed on the top spot in Billboard for 12 weeks.
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