Robin Thicke, Pharrell, and co. wanted a new trial over the “Blurred Lines” fiasco. But a judge has ruled that’s not happening. “Blurred Lines” remains plagiarized from Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.” Judge John A. Kronstadt of US District Court, Central California did lower the financial damages, however. Pharrell’s exposure has been downsized from $1,610,455.31 to $357,630.96.
Robin Thicke still got to give it up.
“Blurred Lines” will continue to be played on the radio and sold as a recording, but now the Gayes get “ongoing royalties.”
What a mistake it was to take this to trial. Since this happened, Thicke and his lawyers have learned their lesson. For his new single, Thicke gave equal songwriting credit to the late great Barry White because the song “Morning Sun” is underpinned by White’s trademark orchestration. It was easier than having a new, even more embarrassing trial.
New songs often infringe old ones, and then the parties usually come to an offstage agreement. For example, “The Greatest Love of All” borrowed elements from Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind.” There was a private settlement. Same with Mariah Carey’s “Emotions,” which was a re-do of The Emotions’ “Best of My Love,” by Maurice White.
