- 10 Musical Prodigies Who Changed Music Before Age 18 - October 20, 2025
- 13 Movies That Improved the Book They Were Based On - October 20, 2025
- 13 Historical Events That Would Break the Internet Today - October 20, 2025
1. “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I.
“Blurred Lines” exploded onto the charts in 2013, but the real shock came later when Marvin Gaye’s family accused the artists of copying Gaye’s 1977 hit “Got to Give It Up.” The trial became a media circus, with musicians and legal experts everywhere debating what counts as inspiration versus infringement. In 2015, the court sided with Gaye’s family, ordering the artists to pay more than $7 million in damages, later reduced to $5.3 million. This case set a precedent, making artists everywhere nervous about even subtle nods to past hits. The verdict was controversial, with many songwriters and producers expressing fear that it could stifle musical creativity. According to court transcripts, even similarities in “feel” and groove—not just melody or lyrics—were scrutinized. The “Blurred Lines” case is now taught in music law classes as a turning point for copyright interpretation.
2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
Few rock anthems are as universally recognized as “Stairway to Heaven.” In 2014, the band Spirit claimed that Led Zeppelin lifted the iconic opening riff from their 1968 song “Taurus.” The case dragged on for years, with musicians and forensic musicologists testifying about chord progressions and guitar picking styles. In 2020, after a lengthy appeals process, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court finally ruled in Zeppelin’s favor, stating that the riffs weren’t substantially similar. Interestingly, the court also changed how copyright law interprets sheet music versus sound recordings, which could affect future cases. Led Zeppelin’s victory was seen as a win for artists who borrow from folk and blues traditions. The case revealed how subjective musical similarity can be—what sounds obvious to some may not hold up in court. As of June 2025, it remains a textbook example of how high the stakes can be in music law.
3. “Vogue” by Madonna
Madonna’s “Vogue,” released in 1990, was a dance floor sensation. But in 2012, producer VMG Salsoul filed a lawsuit, alleging that Madonna and producer Shep Pettibone had sampled horns and strings from “Love Break,” a 1983 track by the Salsoul Orchestra, without permission. The case hinged on just a few seconds of music, and it bounced through the courts for years. In 2016, a U.S. appeals court ruled in Madonna’s favor, stating that the short, altered snippet was unrecognizable and therefore not legally infringing. This decision became a reference point for “de minimis” use in sampling law. The ruling reassured artists that not every tiny sample would land them in court, but the debate over digital sampling’s legal limits continues. As recently as 2024, law students still analyze the “Vogue” case when discussing fair use and transformative works.
4. “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice
When Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” topped the charts in 1990, listeners immediately noticed its iconic bassline—borrowed from Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” Initially, Vanilla Ice claimed the riff was different, but under mounting pressure, he settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. This case was among the first to highlight the risks of unauthorized sampling in hip-hop and pop. It set a tone for the music industry in the ’90s, making clear that even slight changes to a recognizable riff might not be enough to avoid legal trouble. Many artists since have cited the “Ice Ice Baby” case as a reason to clear samples before releasing new music. The settlement also opened up discussions about crediting original artists fairly. The outcome was a wake-up call for producers everywhere, and its legacy is still felt in today’s heavily sampled tracks.
5. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams, still fresh from the “Blurred Lines” controversy, found himself in court again when a gospel singer named Marvin Gaye’s estate claimed “Happy” was too similar to Gaye’s work. Although this case never made it to a full trial like “Blurred Lines,” it kept the spotlight on the blurred lines between inspiration and infringement. The legal back-and-forth highlighted just how risky it is for artists to draw inspiration from classic soul and funk. In 2023, the matter was settled privately, but the details remain confidential. The repeated legal troubles for Pharrell sent chills through the songwriting community, leading many to seek legal advice before even writing new material. This situation reinforced how much the “Blurred Lines” case had changed the landscape for songwriters. The shadow of legal risk looms large over every catchy pop tune now.
6. “Copyrighted” by Katy Perry (“Dark Horse”)
Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse,” released in 2013, became the center of a fierce court battle when Christian rapper Flame (Marcus Gray) claimed the song copied his track “Joyful Noise.” In 2019, a jury found Perry liable for copyright infringement and awarded Flame $2.8 million. However, in 2020, a judge reversed the verdict, stating that the musical elements in question—a simple repeating ostinato—were not unique or original enough for copyright protection. This case reignited debates about what constitutes a “protectable” musical idea. Songwriters everywhere breathed a sigh of relief, as the reversal protected the use of basic musical building blocks. The case revealed how unpredictable music copyright law can be, with huge swings between jury and judge decisions. Even now in 2025, the “Dark Horse” battle is referenced in industry legal seminars.
7. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
“Uptown Funk,” with its infectious energy, was a global smash in 2014. But it wasn’t long before it faced a flurry of lawsuits. The most notable came from members of the 1980s band The Gap Band, who argued that “Uptown Funk” borrowed heavily from their hit “Oops Upside Your Head.” In 2015, the writers of “Oops Upside Your Head” were added to the credits and received a share of royalties. This quiet settlement avoided a drawn-out trial but became a major talking point in the industry. The case showed that sometimes, just the threat of a court battle is enough to force a settlement. As of 2025, the “Uptown Funk” credits now list 11 songwriters, a testament to how collaborative—and complicated—hit-making can be. The episode reminded artists that even subtle nods to past hits can result in major payouts.
8. “Come Together” by The Beatles
“Come Together,” released in 1969, is one of The Beatles’ most distinctive songs. But Chuck Berry’s publisher, Big Seven Music, sued John Lennon, claiming the song’s opening line and rhythm borrowed from Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me.” Lennon admitted the influence, and as part of a settlement, he agreed to record several Chuck Berry songs on his next solo album. The lawsuit shed light on the sometimes-blurred line between homage and infringement. In later interviews, Lennon described the experience as a lesson in the importance of giving credit where it’s due. The case became an early example of how even legendary artists aren’t immune to copyright disputes. It also set a precedent for future cases involving lyrical and rhythmic similarities. The Beatles’ enduring legacy hasn’t erased this fascinating chapter from music law history.
9. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” took over the world in 2019, but it sparked legal controversy when Dutch producer Don Diablo alleged that the song’s melody was similar to his track, also titled “Old Town Road.” While this particular claim didn’t go to court, the song’s official remix featured Billy Ray Cyrus and included additional songwriting credits for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, due to a sampled banjo riff from their 2008 song “34 Ghosts IV.” The legal maneuvering around “Old Town Road” led to a more inclusive approach to crediting contributors, avoiding a drawn-out lawsuit. The episode highlighted how the modern music industry often resolves disputes preemptively. With the song breaking streaming records in 2020, its legal saga became a blueprint for handling copyright issues in the age of viral hits. The proactive credits kept the peace—and the royalties flowing.
10. “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” mashed up elements from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London.” Released in 2008, the song raised eyebrows for its heavy borrowing, but Kid Rock had actually obtained the necessary licenses and credited the original songwriters. Despite this, there was confusion and minor legal wrangling over sampling rights and royalties, especially as the song soared up the charts in multiple countries. The publicity forced the music industry to examine the gray areas of mashups and medleys. In interviews, Kid Rock said he wanted to pay tribute to musical legends, not steal from them. The case is now cited in legal courses as an example of how proactively securing rights can prevent lawsuits. It also sparked new industry standards for pre-clearing samples and covers.
11. “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison
George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord,” released in 1970, became the subject of a landmark copyright lawsuit when Bright Tunes Music accused Harrison of copying The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine.” The case dragged on for years, with the court ultimately ruling that Harrison had “subconsciously plagiarized” the earlier song. He was ordered to pay nearly $1.6 million in damages. The phrase “subconscious plagiarism” entered the legal lexicon thanks to this case, and it’s still cited in law textbooks in 2025. Harrison later expressed regret, saying he never intended to copy the song, but the judgment highlighted how accidental similarities can still be costly. The outcome led many artists to be more cautious, often consulting musicologists before releasing new tracks. The case’s legacy is a constant reminder to double-check for unintentional echoes of past hits.
12. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” released in 2017, became the most-streamed song on Spotify by 2022. But its huge success led to a high-profile lawsuit from songwriters Sami Chokri and Ross O’Donoghue, who claimed the chorus copied their 2015 song “Oh Why.” In 2022, the UK High Court ruled in Sheeran’s favor, stating that the similarities were “only minor” and not sufficient for copyright infringement. The trial was closely followed by the music industry, with Sheeran even playing guitar in court to demonstrate the differences. The verdict was widely publicized, with Sheeran stating afterward that “baseless claims” were becoming too common. Legal experts pointed out that the case clarified how courts view melodic and lyrical similarities. As of 2025, it’s one of the most talked-about copyright rulings of the past decade.
13. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s heartfelt ballad “Stay With Me” was a global hit in 2014, but soon after, listeners noticed its resemblance to Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” Rather than fight a lengthy court battle, Smith and his team quickly settled, granting Petty and co-writer Jeff Lynne a 12.5% writing credit and a share of royalties. Both parties described the situation as amicable, with Smith stating in interviews that the similarity was “a complete coincidence.” The settlement avoided a protracted legal dispute, but it raised questions about how much overlap is too much. The “Stay With Me” case is now used as an example of how quick, fair settlements can defuse potentially explosive copyright issues. The situation also underscored the growing trend of preemptive legal action in the music business.
14. “Toxic” by Britney Spears
Britney Spears’s “Toxic,” released in 2003, became an instant pop classic. But in 2004, singer-songwriter Steve Ronsen claimed the song’s melody borrowed from his 2011 track “I’ll Be Back.” The dispute centered on a short, three-note sequence. While the conflict never saw a courtroom, it was widely reported in the media, and Spears’s team denied any wrongdoing. The case fizzled out, but it sparked renewed debate about how short a copied musical phrase can be before it’s considered infringement. Musicologists pointed out that three-note sequences are incredibly common in pop music, making it nearly impossible to avoid overlap. The episode became a cautionary tale for artists about the risks of even tiny similarities. As of 2025, “Toxic” remains untouched by legal defeat, but its story is still discussed in music law circles.
15. “Big Pimpin’” by Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s 1999 hit “Big Pimpin’” sampled “Khosara Khosara,” a song by Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi. Decades after the song’s release, Hamdi’s heirs filed a lawsuit claiming that Jay-Z and producer Timbaland hadn’t obtained proper approval to sample the original work. The case went to trial in California in 2015, drawing international attention due to its cross-cultural implications. Ultimately, the court ruled in Jay-Z’s favor, finding that the heirs did not have standing to sue under U.S. copyright law. The verdict was a relief for hip-hop producers who frequently use international samples, but it also highlighted the complexity of navigating global copyright rules. The “Big Pimpin’” battle is now referenced in legal guides for artists seeking to sample music from other countries. The case’s legacy is felt any time an artist looks beyond their borders for inspiration.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
