Bruno Mars bridges The Gap by Crediting Band Members to his "Uptown Funk!" Song

Following the verdict in the "Blurred lines" in the matter of copyright infringement of the estate of Marvin Gaye against Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke (a case which we have previously reported on), in which the plaintiff was awarded damages of $7.4 million, it would appear that music artists are now looking at alternative means by which to settle proceedings without resorting to litigation and the potential exposure to damages.

The latest singer songwriter to extricate himself from copyright action is Bruno Mars and his associated co-writers.  The song in question is "Uptown Funk", and transpires that this song has more than a passing similarity to the song "Oops upside your head" by The Gap Band.

In taking a leaf from the Sam Smith school of thought, Bruno Mars and Co have now acknowledged the five members of The Gap Band with writing credit and apportioned them a 17% cut of the profits made which will be shared between the members.

So what next for the line blurring pair mentioned at the top of this article?  Well, it would seem that their fight is not yet extinguished.  As reported in an article in the Independent titled: Blurred lines: Pharrell and Robin Thicke's lawyers file for new trial, lawyers for Williams and Thicke have filed a new motion requesting a new trial citing such issues as errors in jury instructions and improper testimony.  A decision as to the whether the case will be heard again is due to be made on 29 June 2015.