Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams have been ordered by a jury to pay USD 7.2 million to Marvin Gaye's estate for copyright infringement
Los Angeles: Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams have been ordered by a jury to pay USD 7.2 million to Marvin Gaye's estate for copyright infringement.
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The musician's family sought USD 25 million in damages, saying Thicke, Williams and rapper TI copied Gaye's 1977 hit 'Got to Give It Up'. The jury has ordered Thicke and Williams to come up with the money, reported Variety.
The judgement is bound to have a long term effect on the music industry as USD 7.2 million is a record high payment in a copyright. "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," Gaye's daughter, Nona Gaye, said after the verdict.
The attorney for the family, Richard Busch, will also seek to halt sales of 'Blurred Lines' and said he will file official paperwork by next week.
The song, nominated for the record of the year at the 2013 Grammys, was number 1 on the Billboard single charts for 10 consecutive weeks.
'Blurred Lines' has reportedly earned USD 16.5 million in profits according to court documents, with Williams and Thicke pocketing over USD 5 million each. Williams had argued in the court that the two songs share 'feel not infringement'.
In a joint statemet, Robin Thick, Pharrell Williams and TI said they were considering their options. "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.
"'Blurred Lines' was created from the heart and minds of Pharrell, Robin and TI and not taken from anyone or anywhere else. We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter."
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