Coldplay Being Sued for Copyright Infringement

Amidst British rock quartet Coldplay garnering seven Grammy nominations, they were hit with the news that they are being sued for copyright infringement by rock guitarist Joe Satriani.

According to a New York Times Web site article, "[52-year-old] Satriani [contends] that the Coldplay song 'Viva la Vida' makes use of 'substantial original portions' of his composition 'If I Could Fly,' an instrumental track."

The article goes on to say, "The suit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, seeks a jury trial, damages and any profits Coldplay gained from the song."

Ironically, "Viva la Vida" has been Grammy-nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

A Chicago Tribune Web site offered other examples of plagiarism suits that rock singers and bands have been subject to over the years, "The Beatles' George Harrison was sued by the owners of the Chiffons' song 'He's So Fine' for appropriating the melody for his massive 1970 hit 'My Sweet Lord.' A federal judge ruled that Harrison 'unknowingly' plagiarized the '60s hit, and awarded more than $500,000 in damages."

Coldplay's label, Capitol Records, has not commented on the lawsuit.

This is not the first time that Coldplay has been accused of stealing from another artist. The band was accused of stealing "Viva la Vida" from a little known indie band called the Creaky Boards, but has fervently denied the charge.