Robin Thicke’s Earnings from “Blurred Lines” Single Revealed Demo
Thanks to the ongoing copyright infringement case over Robin Thicke’s hugely successful “Blurred Lines” single, the actual dollar amount earned by the hit single has come to light. According to court records, the biggest hit of 2013 earned an astounding $16,675,690 in profits. Of that hefty sum, Thicke took home just over $5.6 million, co-writer Pharrell Williams earned $5.1 million, and rapper T.I. took home $700,000. The remaining $6 million or so went to the record companies. Financial gains are rarely released in the music industry, and only came out in this case because of the ongoing lawsuit.
The suit involves the family of renowned Motown singer Marvin Gaye, who’s children Frankie and Nona Gaye have accused Thicke and Williams of copyright infringement. “Blurred Lines”, the suit alleges, is a direct rip-off of Gaye’s 1977 single, “Got To Give It Up.” In addition to a share of money earned by the single, the Gaye family is also seeking a percentage of touring revenue. The suit also asks for damages related to the reduction of fair market value for licensing Gaye’s original song. Additionally, the Gayes alleged further infringement by Thicke for his “Love and War” single, which they claim is a rip-off of the Marvin Gaye song “After the Dance”. In total, the Gaye suit is seeking $40 million from Thicke, Williams and other parties named in the suit.
