Katy Perry Losses 'Dark Horse' Copyright Suit

A jury ruled that Katy Perry's song "Dark Horse" copied a gospel song that came out 5 years earlier.

Monday's verdict is the light at the end of the tunnel of a lengthy legal battle that started back in July 2014, when she was sued by the Christian rapper, Flame -- he claimed her 2013 hit song "Dark Horse" copied his Grammy-nominated gospel song, "Joyful Noise."

Flame's music label uploaded the music video to YouTube way back in 2008, and it's since racked up millions of views. He says Katy stole the underlying beat ... but she claimed that there are NO meaningful similarities.

According to the suit ... Flame claims Perry also destroyed his reputation in Christian music circles because he's now associated with the anti-Christian witchcraft and imagery that's present in her "Dark Horse" music vid.

The case will now proceed to the damages phase 

Katy told the jury she initially heard the beats from Dr. Luke while they were drinking wine in Santa Barbara, and claimed she wrote "Dark Horse" in only 4 hours.