Reference no: EM133643332

Read this article from The Conversation regarding a recent case of copyright infringement in the music industry. Marvin Gaye's family sued Robyn Thicke and Farrell Williams for the stealing the "feel" of their ancestor's song. In this case, the Gaye family won approximately $5M from the defendants.

In 2023, the Gaye Family sued Ed Sheeran for copyright infringement as well. This Marketplace article briefly explains the basis of the second case. In this case the jury found that Mr Sheeran created his song independently and did not infringe on the Gaye's copyright.

Write paper comparing the two cases and including the following. Separate the paragraphs using the headings given in capital letters and in parenthesis. Five points will be deducted from your score for not following the formatting instructions.

1. An introductory paragraph introducing the topic of copyright infringement (INTRODUCTION)

2. A paragraph on the purpose of copyright law. What does it protect with respect to music? Is the feel or the "vibe" of the music protected? Does it only protect the words and sheet music? (PURPOSE OF COPYRIGHT LAW)

3. A paragraph on the length of copyright protection. Is it important to note that often it is the family of the artist and not the artist himself/herself/themselves that benefits from the copyright protection and sues to make more money? Do you think this period of time is appropriate? (LENGTH OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION)

4. One paragraph on the Robyn Thicke case. What was the plaintiffs argument for infringement? What did the defendants use as their defense? Which party won the case? Explain why. (THICKE CASE)

5 One paragraph on the Ed Sheeran case. What was the plaintiffs argument for infringement? What did the defendant use as their defense? Which party won the case? Explain why. (SHEERAN CASE)

6. In the next paragraph compare the two cases. Was the Sheeran Case as strong as the Thicke case? Do you think the family was encouraged by the result of the Thicke case and brought the case against Sheeran because of that rsult? (COMPARISON)

7. A concluding paragraph discussing the effect these kinds of decisions have on musicians and on the music industry in general. If the Gaye family brought the second case because of the result of the first one, will other musicians (or their heirs) s file lawsuits to try to make more money. If the Gaye family wasn't influenced by the first case, will it have no effect on other artists? Will musicians be more or less likely to make music as a result of either or both decisions? (EFFECT ON THE INDUSTRY)