At one time CCR sued John Fogerty for writing a song that sounded like a CCR song ... written by John Fogerty.
I would think the laws should reflect that at some point widely distributed music has entered the public conscience and maybe the kids don’t get to sue for royalties 30 years after Dad dies.
Yep... his old record label sued him for a song that was on Centerfield. He actually went into court and took a guitar and played the two for the jury, showing them exactly how they were different.
CCR didn’t sue him, Geffen Records, who had bought Fantasy the company that owned the CCR catalog did. Geffen also sued Neil Young for making unpopular music. Luckily Geffen lost both.