In a professional setting, the fact that plagiarism was unintentional is not seen as a valid defence to a charge of plagiarism (i.e. copyright infringement). For example, in the US in 1976, former Beatle
George Harrison was sued for copyright infringement by the publishers of “He’s So Fine,” a song written in 1962 by Ronald Mack. The Court found that Harrison’s song “My Sweet Lord” borrowed substantially from “He’s So Fine,” and held Harrison liable for damages despite Harrison’s claim that the plagiarism was unknowing and
George Harrison was sued for copyright infringement by the publishers of “He’s So Fine,” a song written in 1962 by Ronald Mack. The Court found that Harrison’s song “My Sweet Lord” borrowed substantially from “He’s So Fine,” and held Harrison liable for damages despite Harrison’s claim that the plagiarism was unknowing and