I disagree. The instant - and a few bars thereafter - that I heard the song, I thought, "Marvin Gaye". No doubt in my mind ... Actually, I thought they were sampling Gaye's tune. Didn't realize they actually called that an original idea.
Thicke should have kept his mouth shut. Never ever claim something that is so similar to what you've written inspired you. I've never been inspired by another musician. That's my story and I'm stickin' with it.
Legally speaking, up until now, beats and backing tracks were fair game, but melodies were not.
I'm no copyright lawyer, but as a songwriter I've done my research. You can do whatever you want with beats, within reason. Those songs are similar in feel, but that isn't plagiarism. The Harrison case is almost note-for-note in the vocal melody.