Robin Thicke, Pharrell, and T.I. have been battling it out in court over their "Blurred Lines" song infringing on Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up," and a federal jury sided with Gaye's family, awarding them a $7.4million verdict.
While T.I. and the record company didn't infringe on the 1977 hit, Robin and Pharrell were ordered to pay $4 million in copyright damages, plus profits attributable to infringement, for which Thicke was ordered to pay $1.8 million, and Pharrell $1.6 million.
Robin Thicke's representative released a statement following the verdict on behalf of Robin, Pharrell, and T.I. "While we respect the judicial process, we are extremely disappointed in the ruling made today, which sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward. ... We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter."
The dispute initially arose after Pharrell, Robin, and T.I. filed a lawsuit against the Gayes in 2013, claiming Marvin's family made defamatory remarks about them stealing parts of his 1977 hit. The family then countersued and a judge felt the case was sufficient to go to trial after musicological experts provided enough evidence of alleged copyright infringement.
Source: ABC News / L.A. Times
