Katy Perry Wins ‘Dark Horse’ Trial, Calming Music Industry

Led Zeppelin’s win in a copyright infringement lawsuit over the opening chords of “Stairway to Heaven” is providing a boost to other songwriters and producers fighting similar allegations.

Katy Perry on Tuesday had a $2.8 million jury verdict thrown out that had found she ripped off elements of Christian rapper Flame’s 2008 track in her hit “Dark Horse.” The decision is a victory for songwriters worried about a growing risk of constant legal battles over their work.

“Dark Horse,” released in 2013 by Capitol Records, topped the U.S. music charts and was the second best-selling song worldwide in 2014. ...