The My Sweet Lord of this generation

I really didn't think they were going to lose this case, but they did. From this morning's RAMP Newsletter...

It's a verdict that could have long-reaching ramifications for future recording artists -- after digesting a week of testimony, a Los Angeles jury yesterday awarded the children of the late Marvin Gaye $7.3 million after determining Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams copied their father's music to create "Blurred Lines," the biggest song of 2013. As Variety reports, Gaye’s family had alleged that "Blurred Lines” copied their father’s 1977 song, "Got to Give Up," and sued Thicke, Williams and rapper T.I., all three of whom have repeatedly denied stealing Gaye's music. Gaye's children -- Nona, Frankie and Marvin Gaye III -- were present in the courtroom when the verdict was read. Since it was released in 2013, "Blurred Lines" has made nearly $16.5 million; the Gaye family had been seeking more than $25 million. Both Thicke and Williams appeared in court to defend their case, with much of the trial featuring comparisons to both songs. Listening to the juxtaposed bass lines of the two songs in question, Williams even admitted the similarities, saying, "It sounds like you're playing the same thing." Still, while testifying last week, Williams said the two songs share "feel -- not infringement." According to The Associated Press, an attorney for Thicke and Williams said a decision in favor of Gaye's heirs could have a chilling effect on musicians who try to emulate an era or another artist's sound.