Copyright infringement and the music industry frequently coincide, resulting in numerous high-profile cases. One of the most famous cases is that of Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams vs. Marvin Gaye's Heirs, centered on their hit song "Blurred Lines," allegedly infringing Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up."
Claiming similarities in groove and musical structure, Marvin Gaye's heirs accused Thicke and Williams of copyright infringement. The defendants initially defended themselves by acknowledging inspiration but argued for the originality of their composition.
However, the 2015 jury verdict favored Marvin Gaye's heirs, leading to substantial damages and setting a precedent in the music industry. This case heightened awareness of the fine line between inspiration and infringement, emphasizing the protection of even the "feel" of a song under copyright law.