On 6th October 2017, Robin
Thicke and Pharrell Williams filed an appeal at the United States Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit against the decision of the District Court for
the Central District of California (District Court) which decided that they had
infringed Marvin Gaye’s copyright in the song “Blurred Lines”.
Thicke and Pharrell Williams filed an appeal at the United States Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit against the decision of the District Court for
the Central District of California (District Court) which decided that they had
infringed Marvin Gaye’s copyright in the song “Blurred Lines”.
As the legal fireworks in
the appeal commences, we have decided to examine the issues surrounding this
copyright infringement suit and explain its importance to the intellectual
property community.
the appeal commences, we have decided to examine the issues surrounding this
copyright infringement suit and explain its importance to the intellectual
property community.
One of the most successful
songs in modern history
songs in modern history
The song “Blurred Lines”
was released in 2013 by Robin Thicke and featured fellow musicians, Pharrell
Williams and Clifford Harris (also known as T.I). It was a huge hit when it was
released, ruling the airwaves for over a year.
was released in 2013 by Robin Thicke and featured fellow musicians, Pharrell
Williams and Clifford Harris (also known as T.I). It was a huge hit when it was
released, ruling the airwaves for over a year.
In the United States (US),
the song debuted at No. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. However, by June
12, 2013, “Blurred Lines” was No. 1 on the charts and had sold over 1 million
copies in the US[1].
the song debuted at No. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. However, by June
12, 2013, “Blurred Lines” was No. 1 on the charts and had sold over 1 million
copies in the US[1].
“Blurred Lines” later
peaked at No. 1 in 25 countries, including the United Kingdom (UK) and the US.
The song was so successful that it was certified quadruple platinum in
Australia and triple platinum in New Zealand[2].
peaked at No. 1 in 25 countries, including the United Kingdom (UK) and the US.
The song was so successful that it was certified quadruple platinum in
Australia and triple platinum in New Zealand[2].
In Canada, the song was
the No. 1 song for 13 consecutive weeks. It became the longest-running No. 1
single of 2013 and was Canada’s best-selling song of 2013[3]. In the US, it sold over 5 million copies in just 22
weeks and 6 million in 29 weeks thereby becoming the fastest selling song in
digital history[4].
the No. 1 song for 13 consecutive weeks. It became the longest-running No. 1
single of 2013 and was Canada’s best-selling song of 2013[3]. In the US, it sold over 5 million copies in just 22
weeks and 6 million in 29 weeks thereby becoming the fastest selling song in
digital history[4].
By April 2014, the Blurred
Lines” single had reached the 7 million mark in sales[5] and by April 2015, it had sold 7,380,000 copies in
the US, making it the eighth all-time best-selling digital single[6]. According to the International
Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the song had sold 14.8 million
copies by the end of 2013, becoming the best selling song of the year worldwide[7] and one of the best selling
songs of all times[8].
Lines” single had reached the 7 million mark in sales[5] and by April 2015, it had sold 7,380,000 copies in
the US, making it the eighth all-time best-selling digital single[6]. According to the International
Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the song had sold 14.8 million
copies by the end of 2013, becoming the best selling song of the year worldwide[7] and one of the best selling
songs of all times[8].
It broke the record for
the largest radio audience in history[9] and
is currently the seventh best-selling digital single of all time. It was the
second best-selling song of 2013 in the US and the best-selling song of 2013 in
the UK[10]. Subsequently, it was
nominated for two Grammys at the 56th
Annual Grammy Awards in the Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance categories.[11]
the largest radio audience in history[9] and
is currently the seventh best-selling digital single of all time. It was the
second best-selling song of 2013 in the US and the best-selling song of 2013 in
the UK[10]. Subsequently, it was
nominated for two Grammys at the 56th
Annual Grammy Awards in the Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance categories.[11]
Earnings from the song
It is estimated that a
total of $16,675,690 was realized in profits for “Blurred Lines.”
Subsequently, $5,658,214 went to Robin Thicke, $5,153,457 was made by Pharrell
Williams and $704,774 went to T.I[12].
The record companies (Interscope, UMG Distribution and Star Trak Entertainment)
took the rest of the profits with an executive at Universal Music Group stating
that overhead costs on the creation of “Blurred Lines” amounted to
$6,900,000[13].
total of $16,675,690 was realized in profits for “Blurred Lines.”
Subsequently, $5,658,214 went to Robin Thicke, $5,153,457 was made by Pharrell
Williams and $704,774 went to T.I[12].
The record companies (Interscope, UMG Distribution and Star Trak Entertainment)
took the rest of the profits with an executive at Universal Music Group stating
that overhead costs on the creation of “Blurred Lines” amounted to
$6,900,000[13].
Authorship of the song
In a May 6 2013 interview
with GQ Magazine, Robin Thicke claimed that he wrote the song along with
Pharrell Williams. He stated that he was in the studio with Pharrell Williams
and he informed Pharrell Williams that
Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” was one of his favourite songs.. His
statement inspired Pharrell Williams who started playing something with a
similar tune as the Marvin Gaye song and both artists supposedly wrote “Blurred
Lines” in about half an hour and subsequently recorded it.[14]
with GQ Magazine, Robin Thicke claimed that he wrote the song along with
Pharrell Williams. He stated that he was in the studio with Pharrell Williams
and he informed Pharrell Williams that
Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” was one of his favourite songs.. His
statement inspired Pharrell Williams who started playing something with a
similar tune as the Marvin Gaye song and both artists supposedly wrote “Blurred
Lines” in about half an hour and subsequently recorded it.[14]
Clearly, Robin Thicke had
a hit on his hands. However, unknown to him, the storms were beginning to
gather as the Estate of the late Marvin Gaye had heard the “Blurred Lines” song
and would soon commence an action that in my opinion, could affect our perception
of copyright protection.
a hit on his hands. However, unknown to him, the storms were beginning to
gather as the Estate of the late Marvin Gaye had heard the “Blurred Lines” song
and would soon commence an action that in my opinion, could affect our perception
of copyright protection.
Copyright infringement
allegations
allegations
The legendary Marvin Gaye
is reputed to be one of the greatest soul singers.. He penned several songs
such as “Sexual Healing” and “What’s Going On”. He wrote a smash hit titled
“Got To Give It Up” in 1977. It was released under Motown Records (now a
subdivision of Universal Records). Marvin Gaye died in 1984 leaving the
copyright to his collection of songs to his children.
is reputed to be one of the greatest soul singers.. He penned several songs
such as “Sexual Healing” and “What’s Going On”. He wrote a smash hit titled
“Got To Give It Up” in 1977. It was released under Motown Records (now a
subdivision of Universal Records). Marvin Gaye died in 1984 leaving the
copyright to his collection of songs to his children.
After reading several
interviews which Robin Thicke gave to the press, the Mavin Gaye family started
to insist that Robin Thicke had infringed on Marvin Gaye’s copyright by
sampling some portions of “Got to Give it Up”. Robin Thicke did not take too
kindly to these accusations and he proceeded to file a suit against the Estate
of Marvin Gaye at the District Court in August 2013. He was not seeking
monetary reliefs but sought a declaration from the court to determine if the
composers of “Blurred Lines” can be held liable for copyright infringement on
the basis that they were influenced by Marvin Gaye’s song, but did not actually
sample such prior works or literally copy any of Marvin Gaye’s music or lyrics.
Put differently, could they be deemed liable for copyright infringement if all
they did was evoke an era and the “feel” of Marvin Gaye’s music?
interviews which Robin Thicke gave to the press, the Mavin Gaye family started
to insist that Robin Thicke had infringed on Marvin Gaye’s copyright by
sampling some portions of “Got to Give it Up”. Robin Thicke did not take too
kindly to these accusations and he proceeded to file a suit against the Estate
of Marvin Gaye at the District Court in August 2013. He was not seeking
monetary reliefs but sought a declaration from the court to determine if the
composers of “Blurred Lines” can be held liable for copyright infringement on
the basis that they were influenced by Marvin Gaye’s song, but did not actually
sample such prior works or literally copy any of Marvin Gaye’s music or lyrics.
Put differently, could they be deemed liable for copyright infringement if all
they did was evoke an era and the “feel” of Marvin Gaye’s music?
Marvin Gaye’s family took
the bait and counter-sued in April 2014, claiming that they were entitled to
damages as “Blurred Lines” infringed on Marvin Gaye’s copyright. In
addition to Robin Thicke, the producer and co-writer Pharrell Williams, guest
rapper T.I. and Universal Records were also joined in the suit.
the bait and counter-sued in April 2014, claiming that they were entitled to
damages as “Blurred Lines” infringed on Marvin Gaye’s copyright. In
addition to Robin Thicke, the producer and co-writer Pharrell Williams, guest
rapper T.I. and Universal Records were also joined in the suit.
In a shocking twist during
the trial, Robin Thicke informed the jury that he did not compose “Blurred
Lines” as he claimed he was drunk and high on alcohol and vicodine when he
recorded the song. He also claimed that he was inebriated when he gave the GQ
Magazine interview and other interviews where he claimed authorship of the
song. He also informed the court that he did not consider himself an honest
person[15].
the trial, Robin Thicke informed the jury that he did not compose “Blurred
Lines” as he claimed he was drunk and high on alcohol and vicodine when he
recorded the song. He also claimed that he was inebriated when he gave the GQ
Magazine interview and other interviews where he claimed authorship of the
song. He also informed the court that he did not consider himself an honest
person[15].
On his part, Pharrell
Williams asserted that he wrote the song and that although he drew influences
from Marvin Gaye, he intended to replicate the “vibe feeling” of the genre. He
stated that there was no intention to rip off Marvin Gaye’s song.
Williams asserted that he wrote the song and that although he drew influences
from Marvin Gaye, he intended to replicate the “vibe feeling” of the genre. He
stated that there was no intention to rip off Marvin Gaye’s song.
In the second part of this
series, we will consider the arguments that were raised by both parties to the
lawsuit and examine the decision reached by the jury at the close of the
arguments. This will be considered in line with the position of the copyright
laws to determine if the eventual decision reached by the jury was proper in
law.
series, we will consider the arguments that were raised by both parties to the
lawsuit and examine the decision reached by the jury at the close of the
arguments. This will be considered in line with the position of the copyright
laws to determine if the eventual decision reached by the jury was proper in
law.
Partner, Intellectual property and brand protection at
ǼLEX/Corporate & Commercial Lawyer
ǼLEX/Corporate & Commercial Lawyer
Source: Linkedin
References
[1]Gary Trust, ‘Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred
Lines’ Hits No. 1 on Hot 100’ (Billboard Articles 6 December 2013)
<http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566519/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-hits-no-1-on-hot-100>
Lines’ Hits No. 1 on Hot 100’ (Billboard Articles 6 December 2013)
<http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566519/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-hits-no-1-on-hot-100>
[2] Australian Recording Industry
Association, ‘RIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Singles’ <http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2013.htm>
Association, ‘RIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Singles’ <http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2013.htm>
[3] Billboard, ‘Canada’s Digital
Music Sales Rise in 2013 Unlike the U.S.; Eminem, Robin Thicke Among Top Selling
Artists’
Music Sales Rise in 2013 Unlike the U.S.; Eminem, Robin Thicke Among Top Selling
Artists’
[4]Yahoo!
<https://web.archive.org/web/20141222063740/https://www.yahoo.com/music/bp/week-ending-aug-25-2013-songs-robin-marvin-191212316.html>
<https://web.archive.org/web/20141222063740/https://www.yahoo.com/music/bp/week-ending-aug-25-2013-songs-robin-marvin-191212316.html>
[7]Stuart Dredge, ‘Global music sales
fell in 2013 despite strong growth for streaming services’ (The Guardian 18
March 2014)
fell in 2013 despite strong growth for streaming services’ (The Guardian 18
March 2014)
[12]Nolan Feeney, ‘Here’s Exactly How
Much Money ‘Blurred Lines’ Made (Time 4 March 2015) < http://time.com/3731556/blurred-lines-profits/>
Much Money ‘Blurred Lines’ Made (Time 4 March 2015) < http://time.com/3731556/blurred-lines-profits/>
[13]Pamela Chelin, ‘Court case reveals
exactly how much money Pharrell and Robin Thicke made off ‘Blurred Lines’ (Business
Insider 4 March 2015)
http://www.businessinsider.com/court-case-reveals-exactly-how-much-money-pharrell-and-robin-thicke-made-off-blurred-lines-2015-3?IR=T
exactly how much money Pharrell and Robin Thicke made off ‘Blurred Lines’ (Business
Insider 4 March 2015)
http://www.businessinsider.com/court-case-reveals-exactly-how-much-money-pharrell-and-robin-thicke-made-off-blurred-lines-2015-3?IR=T
[14] Stelios Phili, ‘Robin Thicke on
That Banned Video, Collaborating with 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar, and His New
Film’ (GQ Magazine 6 May 2013)
That Banned Video, Collaborating with 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar, and His New
Film’ (GQ Magazine 6 May 2013)
[15]Eriq
Gardner , ‘Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ Deposition Unsealed: “I Was High
and Drunk” (Hollywood Reporter 24 October 2015)
Gardner , ‘Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ Deposition Unsealed: “I Was High
and Drunk” (Hollywood Reporter 24 October 2015)