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Robin Thicke, Pharrell Each Earned More than $5 Million from Blurred Lines, Lawsuit Reveals

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Credit: Harper SmithEver wonder just how much a smash hit song is worth?  The ongoing copyright infringement suit over “Blurred Lines,” is offering a glimpse at hit music finances, and yes, it’s big money.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, an accounting statement revealed in court shows that the biggest song of 2013 generated more than $16.6 million in profits, of which Thicke received more than $5.6 million. Pharrell, who co-wrote, produced and appeared on the song, earned more than $5.1 million from it; while T.I.‘s guest verse was worth more than $700,000 to him.

Testimony is proceeding in a Los Angeles court in a suit brought by the family of Marvin Gaye accusing Thicke and his co-writers of plagiarizing Gaye’s 1977 hit “Got to Give It Up” for “Blurred Lines.”

In addition to seeking a big chunk of the $16 million that “Blurred Lines” has earned, the Gaye family is seeking some portion of Thicke’s touring profits as well as damages of as much as $40 million arguing that “Blurred Lines” has reduced licensing value of “Got to Give It Up.”

Thicke also has a second song to defend — the family is also alleging that Thicke’s “Love After War” misappropriated Gaye’s “After the Dance.”



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