For our weekly SoCal IP Institute meeting on Monday, April 9, 2018, we will discuss the following case:

Pharrell Williams v. Frankie Gaye., (9th Cir. March 21, 2018) (available here). A jury trial found Pharrell Williams’ Blurred Lines, infringed the copyright of Marvin Gaye’s Got To Give It Up. The 9th circuit affirmed. Judge Nguyen filed a dissenting opinion arguing the two songs were not objectively similar as a matter of law under the extrinsic test because they differed in melody, harmony, and rhythm. He further argued that the majority’s analysis allowed defendant’s to improperly copyright a musical style rather than work.

All are invited to join us on Monday April 9, 2018, at noon in our Westlake Village office. This activity is approved for 1 hour of MCLE credit. If you will be joining us, please RSVP to Elisha Manzur by 9 am Monday morning.