A verdict has been reached in British pop star Ed Sheeran’s copyright infringement trial in which was accused of taking part of the melody of the Marvin Gaye soul classic “Let’s Get It On” in his hit “Thinking Out Loud.”
A Manhattan jury has found the musician did not engage in willful copyright infringement following a trial that saw Sheeran playing guitar and singing in court.
Ed Sheeran faced a copyright lawsuit over his 2014 hit song “Thinking Out Loud.”
The lawsuit was filed by the heirs of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote Marvin Gaye’s 1973 song “Let’s Get It On.” The plaintiffs allege that “Thinking Out Loud” infringes on the copyright of “Let’s Get It On” by copying its “heart,” including its “harmonic progressions” and “melodic and rhythmic elements.”
In the news: ‘Evil And Callous’ More Video Released Of Florida Woman’s Horrific Attack Of Innocent Dog
Sheeran denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyers argued that “Thinking Out Loud” is an original work that does not infringe on the copyright of “Let’s Get It On.”
When Sheeran’s attorney Ilene Farkas asked what he would do if jurors determined that “Thinking Out Loud” copied Gaye’s 1973 hit, he said, “If that happens, I’m done, I’m stopping,” according to PEOPLE. “I find it to be really insulting. I work really hard to be where I’m at.”
The case was on trial in a Manhattan federal court.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.