A court in America made a massive decision in relation to copyright infringement last night. It ruled that the Robin Thicke and Pharell Williams track 'Blurred Lines' (a Universal release) infringed the copyright of soul legend Marvin Gaye's 'Got To Give It Up'. Listening to the two tracks, there is a definite similarity in the bass line. See what you think by listening to the two tracks (below). This interview has a quite a good explanation of how the ruling raises questions about what counts as inspiration and what counts as infringement. It also sets out some of the potential problems for musicians as a result of the ruling, including how open they might be about their musical inspirations.
You can read more about the case in this BBC New article.
Of course, the controversy around the message of Blurred Lines is an entirely different matter that deserves a debate of its own.
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