Avril Lavigne vs. The Rubinoos

In July, 2007, Avril Lavigne was sued by The Rubinoos for alleged plagiarism of their 1979 hit, "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend". Tommy Dunbar, songwriter and founder of The Rubinoos, claimed that Lavigne’s 2007 hit, "Girlfriend", was inspired by, and contained aspects of his song. In my opinion, the songs do sound very different, the tempo, instruments and harmony are different. However, I did find that the rhythm was the same and so were the famous chorus lyrics (hey, hey, you, you). In my opinion yes, copyright has been broken. Avril Lavigne is making so much more money with her song than The Rubinoos ever did, and she didn’t even give them any credit. She used the one part of their song which was crucial to the song’s success, and although the songs do sound very different she did, I believe, take the "heart and soul" out of The Rubinoo’s song; and that is wrong and would fall under the category of moral rights.
I do think that Avril Lavigne plagiarized. Whether she stole those lyrics and just didn’t care, or her co-writer did and introduced them to Lavigne and she believed that he made them up, someone is to blame for plagiarism. No matter whether she ends up getting sued or not, this accusation will affect her career. The story of Avril Lavigne stealing another bands lyrics is out there, and even if she is found innocent, people will still have their opinions or will never trust her fully as a writer again. People will wonder, did she actually write this song like she said she did?
On the other side of the spectrum, some people will question, did she subconsciously use those lyrics, thinking she thought of them but she had actually heard them before. But I can argue this by simply saying, after she listened to The Rubinoo’s song, after the accusations came out, you would think she would realize their similarities, like we did. She could issue a public apology, but she is denying any link to the two songs and refuses to admit that her song was influenced by the oldies hit. I think in doing this she is making herself look very foolish and showing disrespect to her fellow artists.
Avril Lavigne and the Rubinoo’s reached a confidential agreement, and it’s not known how much money might have changed hands. This settlement is a good way to get this issue over with, and stop with any more bad press towards Avril Lavigne. But however, a settlement doesn’t necessarily indicate an admission of copyright infringement.

Works Cited:
http://www.avrilbandaids.com/forums/posting-games-sundry/47576-method-murder-pictures-3.html
http://www.tshirtwatch.com/blog/2006/11/16/avril-lavigne-goes-trucker/