Judge: Quincy Jones lawsuit over Jackson hits can proceed

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge says Quincy Jones' lawsuit against Michael Jackson's estate over royalties on some of the singer's biggest hits should go to trial.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Stern ruled today that there were numerous factual disputes about whether the hit-making producer is owed any money is an issue for a jury to decide.

Jones sued Jackson's estate and Sony Music Entertainment in October 2013, seeking at least $10 million. Jones contends the entities re-edited songs for the "This Is It" film and a pair of Cirque du Soleil shows to deprive him of royalties and production fees.

Jackson's estate, which denies wrongdoing, sought to dismiss the case.

New versions of "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" are among the songs at issue.

Popularity of Jackson's music soared after his death in 2009.