MARY J'S COPYRIGHT LAWSUIT THROWN OUT BUT...

A lawsuit accusing Mary J. Blige of copyright infringement has been thrown out. According to the reports, an unknown rapper submitted a demo to Universal with a song that he claims has nearly identical lyrics to Blige's "Family Affair." In order to win a copyright battle of this sort, the plaintiff must present evidence that she owned the copyright, that the lyrics and or beat is "strikingly similar" to that of the original, that the defendant had access to music, and that it was used without permission (misappropriation). The court found that the plaintiff failed to produce substantial evidence and dismissed the case...
In my opinion, there are two sides of this story (and several others like it) that should be explored. First, there are some zealous haters who will sue you frivolously in attempt to extort you. Artists beware. Second, MANY known artists and producers steal music and concepts. People can only be so original after ten to twenty years of making music.
The bottom line is - PROTECT YOUR MUSIC - COPYRIGHT IT AND DO NOT BE LAZY WITH THIS. Many of these artists have the top lawyers that will fight (and win) these cases if your case isn't airtight. Please go to www.copyright.gov