Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams Claim That Record Industry Will Be 'Hurt' If They're Not Allowed To Ripoff Marvin Gaye

Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams are accused of ripping off Marvin Gaye's song "Got to Give It Up" when they composed their hit "Blurred Lines"

Marvin Gaye

By Matt Reynolds
In closing arguments Thursday in the "Blurred Lines" copyright case, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams's attorney warned a federal jury of serious consequences to the music industry if it delivers a verdict in favor of Marvin Gaye's family.

"We are like dwarfs standing on the shoulders of giants," the defendants' attorney Howard King said. "I believe that Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams are proud to stand on the shoulders of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie."

Did Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams' Blurred Lines Rip Off
Marvin Gaye's Got To Give Up?
Decide for Yourself.

King told the federal jury of five women and three men that siding against his clients would impair the ability of young musicians to freely create music that draws upon those who influenced them.
"Let my clients go forth and continue to make their magic," King said.

The Gayes' attorney Richard Busch said a verdict in favor of his clients would be less catastrophic than King was making out.

"The world is not going to end if you vote in favor the Gayes. Believe me," Busch said.
Busch asked the jury to award up to $25 million in damages. That would include $8 million for publishing revenue and a $10 million cut of the artists' and record company profits. Seven million in overhead costs should be added if the alleged infringement is willful, Busch said.

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