Led Zeppelin cleared of stealing riff, but ...
Posted: Jun 23, 2016 4:44 pm
.... why were the jurors prevented from listening to Spririt's recording of Taurus?
The whole case is/was a mess, it arrived in the courts 40 years plus after the fact, the composer is no longer around, the bands did tour together, the jury had to make a decision based on standard notation as published, and unless things have changed dramatically, I'd question the accuracy of the sheet music... and on and on!
What really strikes me though is the fact that this was a battle between people with the wherewithal (and cash) to fight. Were I the one who had music taken I would not have the resources to bring the suit... I might be able to find an attorney who would take it on contingency, but I kind of doubt it, these cases are expensive, and difficult to prove. If I were sued for stealing I don't know that I could afford to defend myself.
I'd have to say that the only positive thing to come of this is a glaring indication that the system protecting intellectual property is in need of repair, and that is not news!