Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke ‘Stole’ Blurred Lines Song

Jurors in Los Angeles decided that the 2013 single by Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke breached the copyright of Gaye's 1977 hit 'Got To Give It Up'.

The family of the late soul singer has been awarded US$ 7.3m (Ksh 664M) in damages.                             

The "Blurred Lines" legal drama began in August 2013, when Thicke, Williams and T.I. responded to threats of legal action by the Gaye estate and publisher Bridgeport Music .

The verdict puts to rest over a year's worth of legal back and forth between Thicke and Gaye's estate, in which the latter sought $25 million in damages.

Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams denied copying the hit.

In court, Williams had told jurors that Gaye's music was part of the soundtrack of his youth but he insisted it was not on his mind when he wrote the song.

HORRIBLE PRECEDENT

But then he recognised a likeness between the songs and agreed he was "channelling… that late-70s feeling" when he co-wrote the song.

Thicke testified that he had contributed little to the writing of the song.

In a joint statement, Pharrell, Thickle and T.I said "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.

Their lawyer added: “’Blurred Lines' was created from the heart and minds of Pharrell, Robin and T.I. and not taken from anyone or anywhere else.”

Gaye died in April 1984, leaving his children the copyright to his music.

After the ruling was made, Gaye’s daughter Nona said "Right now, I feel free, free from Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke's chains and what they tried to keep on us and the lies that were told."

The $7.3 million number beats the record high judgment in a copyright infringement suit since the suit for Michael Bolton who paid $5.4 million for using elements of the Isley Brothers' "Love Is a Wonderful Thing" in his own song titled "Love Is a Wonderful Thing."

By Irene Mbacha