<b><i>Suing Led Zeppelin</b></i> Can a Copyright Infringement Plaintiff Rewrite Rock and Roll History?

This article examines the allegations of Spirit that Led Zeppelin copied the introductory descending guitar figure in "Stairway to Heaven" from its 1968 instrumental, explains why the suit is not stale despite being brought 42 years after the release of "Stairway," and discusses the challenges that the plaintiff must overcome if he is to prevail in the litigation.

27 minute read August 02, 2014 at 12:00 AM
By
Christopher P. Bussert and James A. Trigg
<b><i>Suing Led Zeppelin</b></i> Can a Copyright Infringement Plaintiff Rewrite Rock and Roll History?

In one of the many memorable scenes from the film Wayne's World , Wayne tests guitars in a music store. Laying his hands on a beautiful white Fender Stratocaster ' “Excalibur” he calls it ' Wayne begins to gently pluck a somber, minor-key melody.

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