Here is a description of ten well-known legal cases involving music copyright infringement:
“Blurred Lines” (2013) – Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I. were sued for copyright infringement by the estate of Marvin Gaye over similarities between their hit song “Blurred Lines” and Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.” The lawsuit was resolved in 2015 with a $5.3 million settlement in favor of Gaye’s estate. Law firm King, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano, LLP represented the estate of Marvin Gaye.
“Stairway to Heaven” (2016) – Led Zeppelin was sued for copyright infringement by the estate of Spirit guitarist Randy California, alleging that the opening riff of their song “Stairway to Heaven” was lifted from Spirit’s instrumental “Taurus.” The case was ultimately resolved in favor of Led Zeppelin. Law firm Loeb & Loeb represented Led Zeppelin.
“Sugar, We’re Goin Down” (2010) – Fall Out Boy was sued for copyright infringement by the creator of the opening piano riff in the song “Am I the Only One?” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The case was resolved with a settlement out of court.
“Sampledelia” (1993) – The Beastie Boys were sued for copyright infringement by jazz flutist James Newton over the use of a sample from his composition “Choir” in the song “Pass the Mic.” The case was resolved out of court.
“My Sweet Lord” (1971) – George Harrison was sued for copyright infringement by Bright Tunes Music Corp., the owner of the copyright to the Chiffons’ song “He’s So Fine,” over similarities between Harrison’s hit “My Sweet Lord” and “He’s So Fine.” The case was resolved in favor of Bright Tunes Music Corp.
“Turn Down for What” (2014) – DJ Snake and Lil Jon were sued for copyright infringement by the estate of children’s performer Ellen Feinberg over the use of a sample from her song “The Little Engine That Could” in their hit “Turn Down for What.” The case was resolved out of court.
“Let’s Get It On” (2010) – Ed Townsend, the co-writer of Marvin Gaye’s hit “Let’s Get It On,” sued the estate of Michael Jackson for copyright infringement, alleging that Jackson’s song “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” was derived from “Let’s Get It On.” The case was resolved with a settlement out of court.
“Big Pimpin'” (2007) – Jay-Z was sued for copyright infringement by the heir of the Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi over the use of a sample from Hamdi’s song “Khosara, Khosara” in Jay-Z’s hit “Big Pimpin’.” The case was resolved in favor of Jay-Z.
“Thriller” (2017) – The estate of musician Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins was sued for copyright infringement over the use of a sample from the song “Can You Feel It” by the Jacksons in the “Thriller” music video. The case was resolved out of court.
“Summertime” (2010) – DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith were sued for copyright infringement by the estate of George Gershwin over the use of a sample from Gershwin’s composition “Summertime” in their hit “Summertime.” The case was resolved with a settlement out of court.
These cases demonstrate the complex legal issues involved in music copyright infringement and the impact that such cases can have on the music industry. It is important for musicians, producers, and record labels to understand the laws surrounding copyright and to obtain proper clearance for any samples or other elements used in their music. The involvement of well-known lawyers and law firms in these cases highlights the significance of these cases and the importance of obtaining experienced legal representation in such matters.