Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s Lawyers Want a New “Blurred Lines” Trial

Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams are seeking a new trial over "Blurred Lines." Apparently, the two do not agree with the March verdict that ruled the song was an infringement of Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give it Up."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the track's creators are pushing for a retrial, claiming there were errors in jury instructions, improper testimony from a musicologist and insufficient evidence to support a finding that the two songs were substantially similar.

The motion brings up very technical points, its main one based on the judge's pre-trial conclusion that the copyright be based on the physical sheet music of the 1977 classic. According to Thicke and Williams, the jury made their decision based on Thicke' testimony about his inspiration for the track and that of musicologist Judith Finell. They argue that Finell's testimony was unnecessary since the basis of the suit is sheet music. The pair's lawyers assert that these testimonies were "prejudicial and irrelevant."

Robin and Pharrell were ordered to pay $7.4 million to the Gaye estate in March. The two musicians are also trying to lessen the damage award by a great deal, reducing it to $680,000 if they aren't granted a new trial.. They believe that award was set in error and is "not supported by any admissible evidence." They also claim that since "the elements of give claimed to have been copied amount to less than 5% of the BLURRED composition."

The Gaye family filed a few motions of their own. In one, they argue that Interscope Records, UMG Recordings and others labels should be held accountable. In another, they are trying to stop the distribution of "Blurred Lines" and seize any work that contains the song. All sides will be considered in a new hearing on June 29.

Filed Under: blurred lines, got to give it up, Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke

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