Court Upholds Copyright Verdict Against Bolton

A federal appeals court upheld a $5.4-million verdict against singer Michael Bolton for using parts of the 1964 Isley Brothers song “Love Is a Wonderful Thing” in his song of the same name.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals let stand a 1994 jury verdict against Bolton, saying the jury had sufficient evidence to reach its decision.

Ronald Isley had sued Bolton, saying he violated the copyright by incorporating elements of the tune and words into his hit song.

In 1994, a Los Angeles jury awarded Ron and Marvin Isley 66% of all past and future royalties from the single and credited the song with 28% of the success of Bolton’s album “Time, Love and Tenderness.”