Since we were young, we were told not to take things that do not belong to us because that is stealing. However, a lot of people have borrowed or taken something that doesn’t belong to them without permission. Whether that be a friend's shirt or a candy bar from the gas station, all of these actions can face consequences that can be avoided.
But what if you stole something that could cost you more than a friendship or a couple dollars? What if you stole something that cost you thousands or even millions of dollars?
Well that seems to have become a trend with many artists. Several artists this year have been sued for copyright infringement. Copyright infringement is the use of works protected by copyright law without permission.
Below are five popular artist and stores who have been sued for using work that doesn’t belong to them.
Marvin Gaye vs. Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams
By far the most popular copyright infringement lawsuit of 2015, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams were sued by Marvin Gaye’s family for ripping of the 1977 hit “Got to Give It Up” in their song "Blurred Lines." The song was undeniably similar. Courts ruled that Gaye’s children were awarded $4 million in damages plus $3.4 million in profits the two artists made from the song.
Giordano Cipriani vs. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar was sued July 10 by a freelance photographer, Giordano Cipriani, for allegedly using his breast-feeding artwork for his “Blacker the Berry” album cover artwork without asking for permission or offering any compensation. The freelance artist claims he took the picture while he was in Africa in 2011 and is asking for $150,000 for each use of the photo and coverage of all of his legal fees.
Tom Petty vs. Sam Smith
Sam Smith was originally sued by Tom Petty after seeing the similarities between "Stay With Me" and Petty’s 1989 track, "I Won’t Back Down." The dispute was settled out of the courtroom and Petty claims to have no hard feelings, as long as credit was given where it was due. Smith agreed to give writing credit to Petty.
Maya Hayuk vs. Starbucks
On June 26, street artist Maya Hayuk sued Starbucks for copyright infringement over a design used on its mini-frappuccino cups. She had discussed with them about using her colorful designs to promote the cup and later saw they went about it without her permission. She is asking the chain store in Manhattan federal court for $750,000 in copyright penalties plus damages.
Bruno Spoerri vs. Jay-Z
This year, Jay Z agreed to pay 50 percent of royalties from the song “Versus” to jazz artist Bruno Spoerri. Jay Z’s song ‘Versus” is very similar to Spoerri’s song “ On The Way.” Spoerri said Jay-Z used the song without obtaining his permission.