Quite ironic some of the comments about Curtis Mayfield being infringed. I think he is the greatest and most talented single figure in Soul music - writer, guitarist, producer, singer, performer and social commentator.... yet he was accused of plagiarism of 'This Old Heart Of Mine' with 'Can't Satisfy' and agreed to adding the Motown writer to the credits (and royalties) - HDH & S Moy.
I always though the most strange case like this was that of John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival - his old record company Fantasy sued him for ripping of his own song ! Saul Zaentz who owned Fantasy and the copyright to 'Run Through The Jungle' claimed that Fogerty's new song 'The Old Man Down The Road' was just a re-work with new lyrics. Fogerty eventually won but had to fight for his costs - because Fantasy's claim was not considered to be 'frivolous na in bad faith'!!! Interesting that the album also contained a track about Zaentz titled 'Mr Greed' and another song sang of 'Zaentz can't dance but he'll steal your money!!' As evidence Fogerty took the witness stand with guitar in hand to explain that yes, the two songs may have sounded somewhat similar, but they were both variations on his signature “swamp rock” style. Simply put, of course two John Fogerty songs sounded the same.