Suit And Tie lawsuit: Justin Timberlake record label accused of ripping off 70s group Sly, Slick and Wicked

In the wake of losing the Blurred Lines copyright infringement lawsuit, Pharrell Williams claimed that the landmark verdict would change the creative process for musicians forever and it looks like he was right. Two members of 70s r'n'b group Sly, Slick and Wicked has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Justin Timberlake's record label, Universal Music Group, over 2013 hit song Suit & Tie, claiming their vocals were used without their consent.

According to courts documents obtained by TMZ, the singers allege that Universal only paid to sample the song, not their vocal performances, in the song. Suit & Tie samples their 1973 song, Sho' Nuff, which was produced by James Brown.

They are now seeking compensation from UMG, Anheuser-Busch, and other publishers and producers for their contribution to the song's success. The track, which featured rapper Jay Z, has sold over three million copies and has 92 million views and counting on YouTube.

The suit adds that they also didn't get paid when UMG licensed Suit & Tie for a Bud Light commercial. IBTimes UK has contacted Timberlake's representatives for comment and is awaiting a reply.

In March 2015, a federal court awarded Marvin Gaye's estate and his three children nearly $7.4m (£4.9m) in damages after ruling that Williams and Robin Thicke had plagiarised the late soul singer's chart-topper Got To Give It Up. In 2014 Thicke testified that he was not present when the song was written, even though he received credit. Williams has always maintained that no plagiarism had taken place.