‘Blurred Lines’ Trial: Gaye Family Wins Royalties, T.I. Added As Infringer
A federal judge ruled in favor of Marvin Gaye’s family yet again in regards to a lawsuit filed against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for the hit song, “Blurred Lines.”
The Hollywood Reporter reports that U.S. District Judge John Kronstadt made a few changes to the rulings announced during the jury’s verdict back in March.
However, the only change that may be viewed as a positive for Robin and Pharrell was the reduction of the $7.4 million verdict down to $5.3 million.
A judge has denied a new “Blurred Lines” trial http://t.co/erpGsIwA0J
— billboard (@billboard) July 15, 2015
Big news in the “Blurred Lines” case: No new trial; damages trimmed by $2 million; UMG, T.I. held liable; more http://t.co/quqDATd1BR — Eriq Gardner (@eriqgardner) July 15, 2015
On the other hand, Judge Kronstadt reportedly denied the request for a new trial and rejected all arguments over jury instructions and expert witness testimony.
“The Thicke Parties have not shown any evidentiary or instructional error that warrants either a new trial or other relief. The verdict of the jury was supported by substantial evidence.”
Another major change made was the addition of rapper Clifford “T.I.” Harris, Jr. to the list of copyright infringers since he added a rap verse to the song in question. This means that T.I. is now in the same boat as “Blurred Lines” singer Robin Thicke and producer Pharrell Williams.
Judge Kronstadt ruled that Star Trak Entertainment, Interscope, and UMG Recordings should be held liable for the distribution of a song that is a copyright infringement violation – claiming that “Blurred Lines” is a copy of the Marvin Gaye hit song, “Got to Give It Up.”
Exposing The Frauds – 1 – Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” vs Marvin Gaye’s “Got To Give It Up” https://t.co/t770B6WV6G #BeyondSampling
— George May (@G_u_r_A_MAYzing) April 12, 2015
Distribution outlets will still be able to sell and promote Blurred Lines. Therefore, Robin, Pharrell, and T.I. will not have to worry about the song being removed completely from the growing catalog of available music.
However, Judge Kronstadt did approve the Gaye family’s request to receive a continuous 50 percent royalty rate of publishing and songwriting revenues.
Richard Busch, the attorney representing the Gaye family, admitted that he is still digesting the judge’s decision, but is thrilled overall by it.
“[I am] thrilled with the decision by the Court not only affirming the decision of the jury that Mr. Thicke and Mr. Williams committed copyright infringement, but also the decision holding Mr. Harris and Universal liable as well. As far as the reduction in damages, we are reviewing that, and the Court’s analysis on that issue, and will be discussing internally our options.”
The judge’s ruling does not necessarily mean that the courtroom battle for Blurred Lines is over.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ruling actually opens the door of opportunity for Robin, Pharrell, and T.I. to officially appeal the dispute in court.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Robin Thicke openly stated his hope for the verdict in reference to “Blurred Lines” to come “out a different way for Pharrell and [him] and the future of creativity.”
[Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
