Early Ending Denied in ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Suit

(CN) - Led Zeppelin failed obtain dismissal of a songwriter's federal action alleging that "Stairway to Heaven" rips off Randy California's "Taurus."

Michael Skidmore, as trustee of the Randy Craig Wolfe Trust, sued the band in Philadelphia earlier this year for copyright infringement.

Wolfe, aka Randy California, founded the band Spirit, which once toured with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers.

Led Zeppelin had reportedly wanted the case dismissed or transferred to California. It challenged the jurisdiction in the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania by arguing that "the individual defendants are British citizens residing in England," according to an article from Eriq Gardner of The Hollywood Reporter.

The Wolfe trust amended its complaint to argue that the band made millions of dollars in Eastern Pennsylvania off the legendary song.

U.S. District Judge Juan Sanchez did not explain her reasoning in denying Zeppelin's motion to dismiss.

There has not been a development in the case since that Oct. 10 order.

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