5 facts to know about Ed Sheeran’s trial
- Ed Sheeran's trial over copyright infringement begins.
- The lawsuit accuses Sheeran of copying a Marvin Gaye classic.
- The trial could cost Sheeran millions in damages.
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is currently facing a trial over allegations of copyright infringement.
The lawsuit is being brought by the heirs of Marvin Gaye, the late Motown legend whose song Let’s Get It On is at the center of the dispute. Here are five key facts to know about the case:
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- The lawsuit was filed in 2018
Ed Sheeran looks sombre as he appears in court for Federal Copyright trial over Mavin Gaye classic
Ed Sheeran arrived at Manhattan federal court Tuesday, April 25, for his trial over a lawsuit accusing him of lifting parts of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On” for his own use.
The… pic.twitter.com/eUgggukKF0
— Quickie News 24/7 (@updatesplug247)
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in 2018. The plaintiffs are the heirs of Ed Townsend, a co-writer of Let’s Get It On, who are alleging that Sheeran’s song Thinking Out Loud copies elements of the Gaye classic. The plaintiffs are seeking $100 million in damages.
- The case has been delayed multiple times
Musician Ed Sheeran arrives for his copyright-infringement trial at Manhattan Federal Court. Sheeran is being sued for copyright-infringement for his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud.” He is accused of copying Marvin Gaye’s legendary R&B song “Let’s Get It On”. pic.twitter.com/wYDKK6u6bC
— Michael M. Santiago (@msantiagophotos) April 25, 2023
The trial was originally scheduled to begin in 2019, but it has been delayed several times. The most recent delay came in 2020, when the trial was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial is now set to begin on November 1, 2023.
- Sheeran has denied the allegations
Sheeran has consistently denied the allegations of copyright infringement. In court documents, his lawyers have argued that the similarities between Thinking Out Loud and Let’s Get It On are “commonplace musical elements” that cannot be copyrighted. Sheeran has also stated that he has never listened to Let’s Get It On in its entirety.
- The case could have significant implications for the music industry
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the music industry. If the plaintiffs are successful in proving that Sheeran’s song infringes on the copyright of Let’s Get It On, it could set a precedent for future copyright cases involving musical elements that are considered commonplace.
- Sheeran has faced similar allegations before
This is not the first time that Sheeran has been accused of copyright infringement. In 2017, he reached a settlement with songwriters Thomas Leonard and Martin Harrington over allegations that his hit song Photograph copied their song Amazing. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
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As the trial continues, we can expect more details to emerge about the allegations and the potential implications of the case.
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