200+ Musicians File Joint Brief In Support Of “Blurred Lines” Appeal [Read The Full Document]
More than 200 musicians and songwriters have filed a joint brief in support of overturning the verdict in the Marvin Gaye Estate vs. the writers of the hit "Blurred Lines." The diverse group, which ranges from Rivers Cuomo to John Oates and R. Kelly to Hans Zimmer, sites both case law and music experts.
"this case threatens to punish songwriters"
"The verdict in this case threatens to punish songwriters for creating new music that is inspired by prior works," states the brief authored by Ed McPherson. "All music shares inspiration from prior musical works, especially within a particular musical genre. By eliminating any meaningful standard for drawing the line between permissible inspiration and unlawful copying, the judgment is certain to stifle creativity and impede the creative process. The law should provide clearer rules so that songwriters can know when the line is crossed, or at least where the line is."
document via the Hollywood Reporter
