The legal case revolved around the issue of whether Led Zeppelin had copied the distinctive descending chord progression and arpeggio from “Taurus” and used it as the basis for the opening riff of “Stairway to Heaven.” Led Zeppelin members, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, denied any wrongdoing and argued that the chord progression in question was a common musical motif that had been used in various compositions for centuries and therefore not subject to copyright protection.
The case went to trial in a federal court in Los Angeles, and it drew significant attention from the music industry and fans alike, as it involved two legendary rock bands and a classic rock song that is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The trial lasted for several days, during which both sides presented evidence, including expert testimony from musicologists, to support their arguments.
In the end, the jury ruled in favor of Led Zeppelin, finding that there was no substantial similarity between “Taurus” and “Stairway to Heaven” and therefore no copyright infringement. The jury determined that the chord progression in question was indeed a common musical element and not subject to copyright protection. The decision was seen as a victory for Led Zeppelin and a significant precedent in music copyright cases, reaffirming the principle that not all musical elements are subject to copyright protection and that similarities between songs must be substantial in order to constitute infringement.
The legal case regarding the infringement of “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin was closely watched by the music industry and fans alike, highlighting the complexities of copyright law and the challenges in determining similarities between musical compositions.
During the trial, both sides presented expert opinions from musicologists to support their arguments. The estate of Randy California, represented by his trustee Michael Skidmore, argued that the similarities between “Taurus” and “Stairway to Heaven” were significant and constituted copyright infringement. They brought in a musicologist who testified that the two compositions shared similar unique elements, including the descending chord progression and arpeggio, and that these similarities were not merely common musical elements, but rather specific and original expressions that were protected by copyright.
On the other hand, Led Zeppelin’s defense team brought in their own musicologist who testified that the chord progression in question was a common musical device that had been used in various compositions throughout history, and therefore not subject to copyright protection. They argued that the similarities between “Taurus” and “Stairway to Heaven” were superficial and did not amount to copyright infringement.
The judge in the case, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner, provided instructions to the jury regarding the legal standards for copyright infringement. He explained that while copyright does protect original expression, it does not protect common musical elements or ideas, but rather the specific way in which those elements are combined and arranged. The judge also instructed the jury to consider the overall similarity of the two compositions, rather than just isolated elements, in determining whether copyright infringement had occurred.
In the end, the jury deliberated and ultimately concluded that there was no substantial similarity between “Taurus” and “Stairway to Heaven,” and therefore no copyright infringement had occurred. The verdict was seen as a significant win for Led Zeppelin and reaffirmed the principle that not all similarities between musical compositions constitute copyright infringement, especially when it comes to common musical elements or ideas.