LOS ANGELES — “Blurred Lines” was a breezy, upbeat hit that became the biggest song of 2013.

Nearly two years later, the court case it spawned has once again changed the fortunes of its creators, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, who were branded as copyright infringers by a jury on Tuesday.

Marvin Gaye’s family was awarded nearly $7.4 million in a decision that will be on the minds of music executives and lawyers for years to come.

Selling ‘Blurred Lines’

“We have to show the world why the music is good,” marketing executive Nicole Bilzerian told jurors recently while explaining how “Blurred Lines” was sold after it was released in March 2013.

For “Blurred Lines,” the song’s music video drove its popularity. Two versions were recorded, one featuring nude models dancing with the singers.

The song’s popularity led to endorsements.

By May, Thicke and Williams were doing frequent interviews about the song. Many had already drawn a connection between “Blurred Lines” and Gaye’s 1977 hit, “Got to Give It Up.”

Problematic words

Thicke repeatedly mentioned in interviews that “Got to Give It Up,” one of his favorite songs, was an inspiration for “Blurred Lines.” He told interviewers he liked the song so much, he told Williams he wanted to record something similar.

“Blurred Lines” rose to the top of the charts in 80 countries, selling more than 14 million copies worldwide and 7.3 million copies in the United States alone. Marketing efforts cost around $3 million.

Everyone involved, except Gaye’s family, made money. Williams and Thicke pocketed more than $7 million apiece in profits from the song.

Thicke’s quotes would come back to haunt him after Gaye’s family filed suit.

The trial

On Feb. 24, the singers and Gaye’s family assembled for a trial that would determine whether “Blurred Lines” copied Gaye’s music. Eight jurors were picked, and the trial resumed the next day with Thicke testifying and using a keyboard to play parts of songs from The Beatles, U2 and other artists to demonstrate how similar notes appear in different music.

Williams testified the following week, and sat stone-faced the next day as Gaye family attorney Richard Busch called him and Thicke liars during closing arguments.

Later, as a court clerk read damage figures that would total nearly $7.4 million, Gaye’s daughter Nona wept.

Aftermath

Gaye’s family will seek an injunction against “Blurred Lines,” which will give them negotiating clout to get a bigger slice of future profits and possibly a songwriting credit.

The verdict will likely have a lasting impact on the music industry, with many predicting that record labels will become more conservative about releasing songs that sound similar to other works.

The case could be subject to years of motions and appeals, leaving the issue of musical homages in murky legal waters for the near future.