From unintentional similarities to outright plagiarism, copyright disputes in the music industry have led to multimillion-dollar lawsuits, landmark legal rulings, and surprising settlements. Some cases resulted in major financial losses, while others reshaped the way artists approach songwriting. Here are 10 of the most famous copyright battles in music history and their dramatic outcomes.
Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven” vs. Spirit – “Taurus”
Led Zeppelin’s iconic track “Stairway to Heaven” faced accusations of copying the opening guitar riff from “Taurus,” an instrumental track by the band Spirit. This lawsuit drew significant attention due to the legendary status of the song involved. After a lengthy legal battle, in 2016, a jury ruled in favor of Led Zeppelin, stating there was no substantial similarity between the two pieces. However, the case didn’t end there; it resurfaced in 2018, only to be officially closed in 2020. This case highlighted the fine line between inspiration and imitation in music, sparking debates among musicians and legal experts alike.
Robin Thicke & Pharrell Williams – “Blurred Lines” vs. Marvin Gaye – “Got to Give It Up”
“Blurred Lines,” a collaboration between Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, was embroiled in controversy when Marvin Gaye’s estate claimed it copied the feel and groove of “Got to Give It Up.” The case was a landmark in copyright law, focusing on the “feel” of a song rather than direct note-for-note copying. In 2015, the jury sided with Gaye’s estate, resulting in a $5 million award and a share of future royalties. This outcome sent ripples through the music industry, raising questions about artistic influence and originality.
George Harrison – “My Sweet Lord” vs. The Chiffons – “He’s So Fine”
The late Beatle, George Harrison, faced legal challenges when “My Sweet Lord” was alleged to have subconsciously copied the melody of The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine.” This case was significant as it was one of the first to address “subconscious plagiarism.” In 1976, Harrison was found guilty and had to pay $1.6 million in damages. The ruling underscored how deeply embedded influences can unknowingly affect creativity, leading to a broader understanding of how subconscious elements play a role in songwriting.
Katy Perry – “Dark Horse” vs. Flame – “Joyful Noise”
Katy Perry’s hit “Dark Horse” found itself in legal hot water when Christian rapper Flame alleged it copied his song “Joyful Noise.” The case was notable for its focus on the underlying beats and rhythm, rather than the melody or lyrics. In 2019, a jury initially ruled against Perry, awarding Flame $2.8 million. However, this decision was overturned in 2020 due to a lack of substantial similarity. The case highlighted the challenges of defining originality in an era where digital music production blurs traditional boundaries.
The Verve – “Bitter Sweet Symphony” vs. The Rolling Stones – “The Last Time”
The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” became a symbol of the complexities involved in music sampling. The band had sampled an orchestral version of The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” but exceeded the agreed-upon use. As a result, The Verve lost all royalties to the song until 2019 when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards graciously returned the rights to Richard Ashcroft. This case serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of clear agreements in sampling, a common practice in modern music production.
Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby” vs. Queen & David Bowie – “Under Pressure”
Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” is perhaps one of the most famous cases of unauthorized sampling, using the iconic bassline from Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” The case was resolved through an out-of-court settlement, with Queen and Bowie later receiving songwriting credits. This dispute highlighted the necessity of obtaining proper permissions and the potential consequences of neglecting copyright laws. It also marked a shift in how artists and producers approached sampling, prompting more cautious and legally sound practices.
Sam Smith – “Stay With Me” vs. Tom Petty – “I Won’t Back Down”
Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” drew comparisons to Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” leading to allegations of similarity. The case was settled amicably, with Petty and Jeff Lynne receiving songwriting credits and a portion of the royalties. This resolution demonstrated a more collaborative approach to resolving copyright disputes, emphasizing mutual respect among artists. It also showed how such disputes can be resolved without lengthy legal battles, setting a positive example for future cases.
Lana Del Rey – “Get Free” vs. Radiohead – “Creep”
Lana Del Rey’s “Get Free” faced claims from Radiohead’s publishers, who alleged it borrowed the chord progression and melody from “Creep.” The lawsuit was settled privately, though Del Rey mentioned that Radiohead initially demanded 100% of publishing royalties. This case illustrated the fluid nature of musical influences and how they can lead to legal disagreements. It also highlighted the importance of negotiation and compromise, allowing both parties to reach a resolution without prolonged litigation.
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud” vs. Marvin Gaye – “Let’s Get It On”
Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” was accused of bearing similarities to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” by the heirs of co-writer Ed Townsend. The case drew significant media attention, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny of Sheeran’s work. In 2023, a jury ruled in favor of Sheeran, stating that no copyright infringement occurred. This ruling reinforced the idea that inspiration and influence are inherent in music, and not all similarities equate to infringement.
Coldplay – “Viva La Vida” vs. Joe Satriani – “If I Could Fly”
Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” was subject to claims of copyright infringement by guitarist Joe Satriani, who alleged it copied his instrumental “If I Could Fly.” The case was settled out of court, with undisclosed terms, sparking ongoing discussion about the intersection of creativity and ownership. This case exemplified the challenges artists face in navigating the blurred lines between inspiration and appropriation, emphasizing the need for clear definitions and fair practices in the music industry.
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.
