Ed Sheeran wins ‘Thinking Out Loud’ plagiarism case

nme.com:

Ed Sheeran did not copy Marvin Gaye‘s ‘Let’s Get It On’ for his song ‘Thinking Out Loud’, a US court ruled today (May 4).The case was brought against the pop star in 2016 by Ed Townsend – one of the co-writers on Gaye’s classic 1973 track – who accused Sheeran of copying the song on his 2014 hit.The accusations alleged that Sheeran and co-writer Amy Wadge copied the rhythm of the 1973 song, as well as an ascending four-chord sequence.

The case also referenced “striking similarities” between the two tracks that violate the copyright. Sheeran denied claims he copied Gaye’s song.Earlier this week, Sheeran reportedly took to the stand in Manhattan to insist he would be “done” with music if found guilty.The singer-songwriter has now been found not liable for copyright infringement, with jurors ruling that he “independently” created the song.

Sheeran hugged his lawyer after the verdict, while Wadge and his wife Cheery Seaborn were reportedly in tears (via The Guardian).Sheeran told reporters outside the court: “I am obviously very happy with the outcome of the case and it looks like I am not having to retire from my day job after all.