Blurred Lines copyright clash finally comes to an end with $5m verdict

Possibly one of the most talked about and watched copyright matters over the last few years, the ‘Blurred Lines’ copyright claim has finally come to an end.

Starting in 2013, the family of Marvin Gaye made a claim suggesting that Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke’s smash hit ‘Blurred Lines’ copied Gaye’s hit ‘Got to Give it up’.

There have been many copyright claims springing up against many top artists, but this claim went all the way.

Success was granted to the Gaye Family in 2015 but this was appealed.

The verdict was subsequently upheld, and the latest verdict confirmed the damages to be paid, a part of the matter which has been under much contention.

The Court confirmed that Thicke, Williams and William’s publishing company, ‘More Water From Nazareth’ are jointly required to pay $2.8 million in damages.

In addition, the court also hit Thicke with a further $1.7 million payment and Williams and the company a further £357,630.00 to pay

With this final damages award less than the $7.4 million originally awarded by the Court, this will certainly still have a sting in its tail.

This certainly has had a lasting impact on the music industry, creating the ‘Blurred Lines’ effect, which according to Thicke, Williams and others in the music business will have a negative effect on creativity and will see a rise in copyright claims being filed left right and centre.