In the case of The Verve vs. The Rolling Stones, what was the main issue?

In the case of The Verve vs. The Rolling Stones, the primary issue revolved around The Verve's use of a sample from The Rolling Stones' song "The Last Time." The Verve had obtained a license to use a portion of the song but did not secure the rights to use the specific sample they incorporated in their hit "Bitter Sweet Symphony." This oversight led to a significant legal conflict regarding copyright infringement, as The Verve ended up using the sample in a way that exceeded the scope of their agreement, resulting in a decision that favored The Rolling Stones.

This situation highlights the importance of obtaining proper permissions and understanding the nuances of music sampling in copyright law, as failure to do so can lead to costly legal battles and loss of revenue. The case is often referenced in discussions about artists’ rights and the complexities involving music licenses.