“Stairway to Heaven” is considered one of the most widely heard compositions in rock history and is the signature song of Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page said the song “crystallized the essence of the band.” Well, the band is accused of stealing the opening chords for their 1971 hit from another song.
That song, “Taurus,” written in 1967 by the band Spirit are similar enough to let a jury decide whether Plant and Page were liable for copyright infringement.
Attorney Larry Iser, Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert, who is not connected with the Led Zeppelin case, but specializes in the area of intellectual property law, and routinely advises his clients on matters concerning copyright, fair-use, clearances, and right of publicity. Larry Iser has represented the Beatles and Michael Jackson, Jackson Browne, and Crosby Stills & Nash.
Mr Iser is well published on the subject of copyright infringement and just yesterday, June 16, 2016 wrote in Forbes: ‘Hamilton’ And Copyright: Lin-Manuel Miranda Had His Eyes On Music History.’