January 12, 2009 16:05

Prince hit in Italian plagiarism case

Courts rule on 'The Most Beautiful Girl In The World' claim

Following a lengthy legal battle, Italian courts have ruled that Prince's 1994 song 'The Most Beautiful Girl In The World' "borrowed heavily" from Bruno Bergonzi and Michele Vicino's 1983 track 'Takin' Me To Paradise'.

The case dates from the 1990s, but has only recently be made public.
The latest judgement, made on January 9, was on an appeal against an original ruling dating back to 2003.

Speaking to Billboard.com, Bergonzi explained: "When we first heard Prince's song we immediately took action, but this case has been dragging on for 15 years and it isn't over yet, such is the slowness of the Italian legal system. We only decided to go public with our story now."

Although the Italian system dictates that a further "third degree ruling" is necessary before the full sentence is enforced, under the Court Of Appeal's ruling Prince must stop distributing the track in Italy.

If the duo are successful in the final ruling the American singer could be ordered to pay back royalties.

Prince and his publishers are yet to comment.