Joe Satriani vs. Coldplay

Viva La Vida was released on May 7, 2008 by band Coldplay. On December 4, 2008, Famous Guitarist and songwriter, Joe Satriani filed a lawsuit against Coldplay for "Copyright Infringement". Satriani claims the bands song " incorporates substantial original portions" of his song If I Could Fly, released in 2004 on the album "Is There Love In Space". Satriani is suing Coldplay for "any and all profits" for the song which are numerious considering not only individual record sales but times the song was played at concerts and appearances, the fact that it was the second most downloaded song on iTunes for 2008, also, an iPod+iTunes commercial was made by coldplay featuring the newly released song as well as any other proceedings from the song.

Coldplay has denied allegations of Copyright Infringement and has released this statement:
"With the greatest possible respect to Joe Satriani, we have now unfortunately found it necessary to respond publicly to his allegations. If there are any similarities between our two pieces of music, they are entirely coincidental, and just as surprising to us as to him. Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write or have any influence on the song Viva La Vida. We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavors."

Similarities I have found between the two songs are;

• the lead guitar about 49 seconds into If I Could Fly sounds very similar to the vocals in the verse of Viva La Vida.

• The tone of the songs a very similar due to chords and and rhythm.
  

Resources:
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/features/arts/music/blog/2008/12/coldplay_v_satriani_similar_fe.html/coldplay_responds_to_plagiarism_accusations.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/dec/10/coldplay-deny-plagiarism-allegations