The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Blurred Lines trial: Pharrell Williams wins back more than $1m in latest ruling
There will not be another trial and sales of the song will not be blocked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pharrell Williams has won back more than $1 million after a judge cut the damages he must pay after being found guilty of copyright infringement in the "Blurred Lines" trial.
The chart-topping singer-songwriter was ordered to pay nearly $7.4 million to Marvin Gaye's family in March after a jury decided that his song with co-writer Robin Thicke had stolen from Gaye's 1977 hit "Got To Give It Up".
But now, US district judge John A Kronstadt has ruled that damages should be slashed from $4 million to just under $3.2 million and the cut of profits that Williams must pay reduced from $1.6 million to $358,000 due to lack of evidence.
Gaye's family will, however, receive 50 per cent of Universal's future songwriting and publishing revenues after Kronstadt accepted their argument that the record company should be held liable for distributing "Blurred Lines".
A request for a new trial made by Williams and Thicke's lawyers was rejected, as was a request made by Gaye's family's that would have temporarily blocked sales and performances of "Blurred Lines".
Richard Busch, attorney for the Gaye Family, issued the following statement: "Mr Thicke and Williams, and their legal team, among others, went on a public relations campaign after the jury’s verdict criticising the verdict and saying the evidence did not support the finding of copyright infringement, and did not believe the decision on liability would therefore stand.
"The judge who actually heard all of the evidence disagreed. I am thrilled for the Gaye family, and the thoughtful members of the jury, who had to listen to all of that while remaining silent."
Both Busch and Williams and Thicke's attorney Howard King are reviewing the latest ruling before commenting and deciding upon their next moves. It is expected that Thicke and Williams will take the case to the appeals court.
Williams insists that he was inspired by Gaye's music but was not intending to pass of his work for his own.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments