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Copyright Infringement in Music: Notable Cases of Composers and Artists Sued

This section covers topics such as songwriting, composition, music production, and the creative process, as well as what is currently happening in the music scene, medical research, etc.


It is important to recognize that the statements in this section are solely my opinions and should not be taken as fact. It is important to do your own research and make decisions based on facts rather than opinion. It is also important to remember that opinions can change over time and should not be taken as concrete.

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Music In Dreams Blog Archive

The world of music has always been characterized by a rich tapestry of influences, inspirations, and sometimes outright borrowing from existing works. However, when the lines between inspiration and infringement blur, the legal ramifications can lead to substantial court cases. This article delves into notable instances of composers and artists who faced lawsuits due to copyright infringement.


1. George Harrison - "My Sweet Lord"

One of the more famous cases of copyright infringement involved former Beatle George Harrison. In 1976, he was sued for his song "My Sweet Lord" by Bright Tunes Music, who claimed that the song was substantially similar to the 1963 hit "He's So Fine" performed by The Chiffons. The judge ultimately concluded that although Harrison did not consciously copy the song, the similarities were too striking to ignore, resulting in a ruling against him and a settlement that cost Harrison a substantial sum.


2. Led Zeppelin - "Stairway to Heaven"

The legendary rock band Led Zeppelin faced allegations of copyright infringement related to their iconic track "Stairway to Heaven." In 2014, a lawsuit was filed by the estate of Randy California, leader of the band Spirit, claiming that the opening notes of "Stairway to Heaven" were lifted from Spirit's 1968 song "Taurus." The case went through various legal proceedings, eventually culminating in a court ruling in favor of Led Zeppelin in 2020, stating that the similarities were insufficient to constitute infringement.


3. Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams - "Blurred Lines"

The duo faced a significant legal battle over their 2013 hit "Blurred Lines," which was alleged to be too similar to Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up." It culminated in a high-profile lawsuit brought by Gaye's estate, which resulted in a jury awarding $7.4 million to Gaye’s family. The amount was later reduced but further legal disputes and settlements followed, showcasing the risks artists face regarding inspiration from previous works.


4. Miley Cyrus - "We Can't Stop"

Cyrus encountered legal scrutiny after the release of "We Can't Stop" in 2013. The song bore similarities to "12 Million," a track by the band Flourgon. Flourgon's legal team claimed that Cyrus and her producers had lifted the melody and lyric “We run things, things don’t run we” from their song. Although the case did not have the same visibility as some others, it highlighted the ongoing challenges artists face when creating music that may unintentionally replicate existing works.


5. Sam Smith - "Stay With Me"

Sam Smith faced accusations of borrowing from Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" for his 2014 hit, "Stay With Me." The similarities were noted primarily in the melody and structure. In a amicable resolution, as has become common in many of these cases, Smith and Petty agreed to give Petty a share of the songwriting credits and royalties from "Stay With Me.”


6. Katy Perry - "Dark Horse"

Katy Perry’s "Dark Horse" became the center of controversy when rapper Flame (formerly known as Flame) sued her, alleging that the song copied a portion of his track "Joyful Noise." In 2019, a jury ruled in favor of Flame, ordering Perry to pay $2.78 million in damages. However, an appeal was filed, and the case showcased the ongoing debate about the possible limits of originality in contemporary music.


While plagiarism has been a part of music history for centuries, not all cases of copying have led to legal consequences. However, I've compiled a list of notable instances where composers were accused or sued for copyright infringement in earlier music:


Beethoven vs. Haydn: In 1804, Beethoven's piano sonata "Klavierstück No. 8" was criticized by some as being too similar to Joseph Haydn's "Piano Sonata in E-flat major." Although there is no recorded lawsuit, the accusation sparked controversy and fueled debates about originality.


Schubert vs. Gluck: Franz Schubert's opera "Alfonso und Estella" (1821) faced accusations that its music borrowed heavily from Christoph Willibald Gluck's opera "Armide" (1777). The charge led to a heated debate among critics and composers of the time.


Debussy vs. Wagner: Claude Debussy's piano piece "Reflets dans l'Eau" (1896-1898) was criticized for its perceived similarities with Richard Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde." While there is no recorded lawsuit, some contemporaries accused Debussy of borrowing too liberally from Wagner's style.


Ravel vs. Stravinsky: Maurice Ravel's ballet "Daphnis et Chloé" (1909-1912) was compared unfavorably to Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" (1913), which led to accusations of plagiarism. Although both composers denied any direct influence, the controversy sparked a lively debate about originality in music composition.


Webern vs. Berg: Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg, two prominent members of the Second Viennese School, had a public disagreement over musical influences and originality. Berg accused Webern of borrowing ideas from his own works without proper acknowledgment.


Mozart vs. Haydn (1784): Joseph Haydn sued Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for copyright infringement after discovering that Mozart's "Piano Sonata No. 8" bore striking similarities to Haydn's earlier work, "Piano Sonata in E-flat major." Although the lawsuit was eventually dropped due to lack of evidence, it led to a temporary cooling of their friendship.


Varese vs. Cage: In the early 20th century, American composer Edgard Varèse accused John Cage of plagiarizing his ideas and borrowing melodies without permission. The dispute remained amicable, with both composers acknowledging each other's influences.


The common theme in these cases underscores the delicate balance between inspiration and copyright infringement in the music industry. While borrowing and stylistic influences are a part of music creation, the legal consequences highlight the importance of originality and the need for artists to be cautious in their work. As music continues to evolve, the legal implications of artistic expression will undoubtedly remain a crucial aspect of the conversation surrounding copyright in the arts.


Copyright infringement in the music industry is a serious issue that composers and musicians need to be aware of. When a composer copies another composer's work without permission, they may be liable for copyright infringement. This can lead to legal action, including being sued for damages.


To avoid copyright infringement, composers should follow these guidelines:


1. Create original music: The best way to avoid copyright infringement is to create original music that is not derived from someone else's work. This ensures that you own the copyright to your compositions.


2. Obtain proper licensing: If you want to use a portion of someone else's music in your composition, make sure to obtain the necessary licenses or permissions. This includes sampling, remixing, or covering another artist's song.


3. Give credit where it's due: If you are inspired by another composer's work, acknowledge them by giving proper credit. This is not only a sign of respect but can also help avoid potential legal issues.


4. Educate yourself on copyright laws: Be familiar with copyright laws in your country to understand what is considered fair use and what is not. This will help you navigate potential copyright issues more effectively.


By following these guidelines, composers can protect themselves from copyright infringement claims and continue to create music without legal repercussions. It's important to respect the intellectual property rights of others while also exercising creativity in your own musical compositions.


For further reading: Music and the Human Brain, Second Edition, by Eliasar A. Simon, MD, on Amazon.


For further music listening: Salidona.com

Eliasar A. Simon, M.D.