Just came across this on the web:

 

Satriani And Coldplay Settle Lawsuit Over Melody... Which Is Really Too Bad

from the this-would-have-been-a-useful-lawsuit dept

Late last year, Joe Satriani sued Coldplay, claiming that the band's song Viva La Vida violated the copyright on his song, If I Could Fly. This resulted in all sorts of back and forth arguments, and eventually the realization that a bunch of other songs -- even many that predated Satriani's -- were quite similar. In fact, Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens later jumped in claiming that a song of his from the 70s was the real inspiration for the Coldplay song. Oddly... rather than recognize that this proved Satriani wrong, Islam insisted that he was going to see how Satriani did in court. He later claimed that he forgave Coldplay, even if there's no evidence at all that they actually copied -- and he admitted to coming up with song melodies that were first done elsewhere.

 

But the main event was supposed to be the lawsuit between Coldplay and Satriani -- scheduled to take place early next year. It looks like that's not happening. Blaise points to a blog post noting that the two sides appear to have come to a settlement. There aren't any details yet, just filings to dismiss the case, signed by both parties, suggesting a settlement has been reached. At this point, it's not at all clear what that settlement means, but the most likely scenario is that Coldplay handed over some cash to make Satriani go away.

 

In the end, that's really too bad, as it would have been quite an interesting court case. Without an official ruling on the matter, we can expect to see other, similar lawsuits filed in the future, every time some musician gets jealous of another musician for using a similar melody.

 

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090914/0258286177.shtml

 

http://news.justia.com/cases/featured/california/cacdce/2:2008cv07987/432491/

Isn't Joe that funny guy? :P

That article also linked to this one:

 

http://andyontheroad.wordpress.com/2009/09/13/joe-satriani-v-coldplay-settles/

If this is true then I'll be a bit disappointed.

Chris sounded determined to fight Satriani back.

If this is true then I'll be a bit disappointed.

Chris sounded determined to fight Satriani back.

 

I know and it would be a shame but at the end of the day it would have taken years over years and guess that the lawyers suggested that way would be better for them. Which I think it is.

 

P.

Hmm...interesting. I'd like to see another publication chip in on the matter (mainly to get more solid information), but if true, I suppose it's best for both sides. Unfortunately, it may mean the anti-Coldplay crowd may never shut up about this for the rest of the band's career. But this quiet close to the often-dramatic chapter is appropriate enough.

Just came across this on the web:

 

the most likely scenario is that Coldplay handed over some cash to make Satriani go away.

 

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090914/0258286177.shtml

 

 

Yeah, that's typically what happens. People settle instead of going through the long, drawn-out court process - which probably doesn't look too good for Coldplay (if true), but...it is what it is.

I don't think they would settle, I am gonna wait to hear it from Coldplay.com themselves.

That cunt doesn't deserve a single penny. :dozey:

^+1

 

That is probably the only reason why he accused Coldplay of stealing his "song". He was probably out of money and needed some to buy drugs.

:rolleyes::laugh3:@Imke no he doesnt:dozey:

 

I've never even heard of him before this whole lawsuit crap:thinking:

Sorry, I can't stand attention whores ... That dude really brings out the worst in me. :dozey:

 

I bet 3/4 of the people defending him didn't know him either and just do it because it's cool to hate Coldplay ... :veryangry2:

Satriani probably gave in because he knew he was going to lose a lot of money.

:dozey:people like him can bring the wost out of anyone:angry:

I agree with The Escapist

 

I agree with The Escapist

They better not be paying a settlement!! :veryangry2:

This is disappointing.

It sucks but their lawyers probably told them it was best like this

This is disappointing, it's a shame they've given in and settled.

 

But if it's true it's probably because their lawyer has told them there's a strong chance they wouldn't win.

If this negociation really is true, I agree it's a bit disappointing...

But it's probably the result of the negociations between their lawyers, their producers and Satriani.

And as we don't really know the matter and how to deal with it (unless there are some lawyers or producers in this forum!), I think we can't really judge...

 

This is disappointing, it's a shame they've given in and settled.

 

But if it's true it's probably because their lawyer has told them there's a strong chance they wouldn't win.

 

No, I think they probably would have won, because it's impossible they copied that Satriani song.

If this negociation really is true, I agree it's a bit disappointing...

But it's probably the result of the negociations between their lawyers, their producers and Satriani.

And as we don't really know the matter and how to deal with it (unless there are some lawyers or producers in this forum!), I think we can't really judge...

 

 

 

No, I think they probably would have won, because it's impossible they copied that Satriani song.

 

Most likely they would have lost - as it is impossible to prove that the didn't copy the song as the song was here before viva.

 

I am not saying that they copied it - no way they would! But they can't prove it....

 

P.

Be ready for a wave of leeches!!!

I really hope they didn't settle. Chris was so adamant!

This is pretty much like someone suing you because you said the same sentence they did, only they said it years ago.

What a load of crap ...

Well if it is true then Satriani would have got what he wantded... a bit of dosh. Of course it isn't right but little Joe after all will always be known as the little crook from Westbury New York who just wanted a bit of publicity and money to save his car crash career.

It's also funny that he made all this fuss and forced the spotlight onto himself and I'm pretty sure we're the ONLY people that know about this so far.