Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke to appeal ‘Blurred Lines’ ruling
The court rewarded Marvin Gaye's family $7.3m in damages
Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke are set to appeal the court verdict which ruled that they copied elements of a Marvin Gaye song.
Earlier this week it was decided by jurors that the pair had breached copyright laws by using elements of Gaye’s 1977 hit ‘Got To Give It Up’ to create 2013 anthem ‘Blurred Lines’.
Marvin Gaye’s family were rewarded $7.3m in damages as a result.
However the lawyer representing the musicians has remained adamant that ‘Blurred Lines’ was an original song created by the pair.
Speaking to Fox Business News, Howard King said: “We owe it to songwriters all around the world to make sure this verdict doesn’t stand.
“My clients know that they wrote the song ‘Blurred Lines’ from their hearts and souls and no other source.
“We are going to exercise every post-trial remedy we have to make sure this verdict does not stand.”
King also suggested that expert evidence that was used in the case, possibly swaying the jury, should have been inadmissible.
He claimed the testimony provided by a musicologist, comparing the two songs, was focussed on parts of Marvin Gaye’s song which were not listed on the original sheet music.
According to law, at the time of copyright, only written music may be protected, therefore disregarding any sound recordings.
After the verdict on Tuesday, the lawyer representing Gaye’s family told Rolling Stone that they wanted to stop all sales of ‘Blurred Lines’.
However in court, Pharrell argued that Gaye’s music was simply part of his youth.
And although he recognised a likeness between the songs and agreed he was “channelling… that late-70s feeling”, he was adamant that it was not on his mind while recording the song.
‘Blurred Lines’ has earned more than $16m in profits, including $5m for both stars, and was nominated for a Grammy.
Credit: PA Photos