Copyright infringement lawsuits. What are your thoughts about the cases? Did the court make the right decisions?

Upon the release ofSam Smith's"Stay With Me"in April 2014, a number of listeners were quick tonotethe distinctresemblance toTom Petty and the Heartbreakers'1989 classic"I Won't Back Down". As it turns out, Petty's lawyers also took notice, and the UK crooner has since agreed to pay songwriting royalties. According toThe Sun, Smith and Petty actually settled out of court back in October, butdetails only emerged just this weekend. The settlementreportedly includeda 12.5% writing credit toboth Petty and singer-composer Jeff Lynne (of ELO fame). The song's credit on ASCAP that's the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers now listsSmith, Petty, Lynne, andJimmy Napesas the chief songwriters.Said one source close to the case, "When Sam's track was originally released, it was clear to a lot of musicians that there were notable similarities between the tracks," referring specifically to melodies of the respective choruses. "After it was pointed out to Sam's camp, they didn't try to fight it and amicably dished out royalties. It wasn't a deliberate thing, musicians are just inspired by other artists and Sam and his team were quick to hold up their hand when it was officially flagged."The source went on to note the case was "done behind closed doors without any mud being slung," explaining thatsimilar songwriting caseshave turned ugly publicly.Update - January 26th:A rep for Smithconfirmsthat Petty and Lynne are now listed as co-writers for"Stay With Me" and "acknowledges" itssimilarities to "I Won't Back Down". However, the rep contends that it's all a "complete coincidence."