New QC scoops Whiter Shade of Pale case

Ben Moshinsky in The Lawyer, 14 November 2006

11 South Square’s newest QC, Iain Purvis, has bagged the lead counsel role for ex-Procul [sic] Harum band member Matthew Fisher in his High Court fight for a slice of the band’s royalties.

The dispute over who wrote hit song A Whiter Shade of Pale is Purvis’ first high profile IP case as a QC.

11 South Square won the work through niche media firm Jens Hills & Co, which is acting for Fisher.

Mr Justice Blackburne is presiding over the case. Blackburne J studied music at Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Fisher claims he came up with the song’s Hammond organ solo, inspired by Bach's Air From Orchestral Suite No 3.

Andrew Sutcliffe QC at 3 Verulam Buildings is counsel to the rest of the band, instructed by media specialists Harbottle & Lewis.

The hearing continues.