New QC scoops Whiter Shade of Pale case

11 South Square’s newest QC, Iain Purvis, has bagged the lead counsel role for ex-Procul 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.