The duo must pay $4 million in damages and around $3.4 million in profits while T.I. who was also named as one of the defendants is cleared of any wrongdoing.
- Mar 11, 2015
AceShowbiz - Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke lost the copyright infringement lawsuit involving their single "Blurred Lines". On Tuesday, March 10, a jury determined that the 2013 hit copied Marvin Gaye's 1977 song "Got to Give It Up" and ordered the pair to pay the late singer's family nearly $7.4 million.
Pharrell and Thicke both should pay $4 million in damages and around $3.4 million in profits. The copyright infringement was not found to be "willful," so they won't be asked to pay additional statutory damages. Meanwhile, T.I. who's also featured on the chart-topping collaboration was cleared of any wrongdoing.
"Blurred Lines" was one of the biggest songs in 2013. During the trial, it's revealed that the track cost around $6.9 million to make but had made a profit of over $16.5 million. Pharrell and Thicke have pocketed more than $5 millions each while T.I. "only" earned $700,000.
After the ruling, Pharrell, Thicke and T.I. released a joint statement in which they expressed their disappointment. "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," they wrote.
" 'Blurred Lines' was created from the heart and minds of Pharrell, Robin and T.I. 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," they added.
