Judge Reduces “Blurred Lines” Damages, But Rules T.I. Should Be Held Liable Too
Back in March, a jury ruled that the Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I. hit “Blurred Lines” is similar enough to Marvin Gaye’s 1977 single “Got To Give It Up” to constitute copyright infringement, and Thicke and Williams were ordered to pay $7.4 million in damages to the Gaye family. Thicke and Williams’ lawyer sought a new trial, but now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, U.S. District Judge John Kronstadt has shot that idea down. The judge did, however, cut the $7.4 million in damages down to $5.3 million, and he denied the Gayes’ request for an injunction to prevent future sales of the song, but they are being granted 50% of all future royalties. In addition, the judge agreed with the Gaye family’s contention that T.I. should also pay damages — which seems crazy, because he just contributed a rap verse that has nothing to do with Marvin Gaye, but hey, what do I know about the law? — and record labels including UMG Recordings, Interscope, and Star Trak Entertainment are all also being held liable for distributing the song. Thicke and Williams are, duh, expected to appeal. “While we certainly respect the diligence and care devoted by the court throughout these proceedings, we must agree to disagree on the conclusions,” says Howard King, Williams’ attorney. “We look forward to exercising our further remedies and ultimately achieving clarity on the difference between inspiration and copyright infringement.” You can read the full 56-page opinion here.