Led Zeppelin Copyright Lawsuit Heading TO California

A lawsuit alleging that Led Zeppelin plagiarized "Stairway to Heaven" from a song by Spirit is on its way to California.

The case, initially filed last spring, was filed by founding Spirit bassist Mark Andes for the estate of the band's guitarist, Randy California, who died in 1997. The suit contends that the "Stairway to Heaven" intro bears similarities to California's composition "Taurus," which appeared on Spirit's self-titled 1968 debut.

Bloomberg reports that the band's attorneys attempted to have the case dismissed outright, a motion the judge dismissed, saying instead that the trial should be moved to federal court in Los Angeles. As Bloomberg notes, the switch could have profound implications for both sides in the case.

Zeppelin's lawyers reportedly intend to "challenge the creation" of California's trust, which could be easier in the new venue, but they'll also be arguing their case in the same court that recently ruled against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams in a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement against Marvin Gaye with their song "Blurred Lines."