Ed Sheeran Just Won A Second Million-Dollar Copyright Lawsuit
Ed Sheeran’s legal success is continuing, as the singer recently won another copyright lawsuit over his 2014 song “Thinking Out Loud.”
The case was originally filed in 2018 by Structured Asset Sales, which is owned by David Pullman, who owns a third of the copyright to songwriter Ed Townsend’s catalog. It argued that Ed’s hit copied elements of Marvin Gaye’s song “Let’s Get It On,” which was co-written by Townsend. The case claimed there were multiple instances of plagiarism, including in the time signature and bass line.
If Structured Asset Sales had won the lawsuit, it could have been entitled to millions in damages and profits from Ed’s 2014 song.
However, the court didn’t agree. New York federal judge, Louis L. Stanton, recently dismissed the complaint, arguing that the allegedly copied elements were too commonly used in music to be plagiarism.
The outcome is similar to a lawsuit Ed was facing earlier this month involving the same two songs. The case was filed by Townsend’s heirs shortly before Pullman launched his lawsuit, who also have rights over the songwriter’s catalog.
Ed was put on the stand during the court case, during which time he admitted he would consider quitting music if he lost the lawsuit.
“If that happens, I’m done, I’m stopping,” he said, calling the plagiarism allegations “insulting.”
After the court ruled in Ed’s favor, the singer expressed gratitude that the outcome will set a precedent for future cases. But he warned that many musicians are open to similar allegations.
"[This decision] will help to protect the creative process of songwriters here in the United States and around the world,” he said. “[I’m not] going to have to retire from my day job after all.”
"But, at the same time, I am unbelievably frustrated that baseless claims like this are allowed to go to court at all” Ed added. "We have spent the last eight years talking about two songs with dramatically different lyrics, melodies and four chords which are also different and used by songwriters every day, all over the world."
With a music career spanning over a decade, Ed has amassed a net worth valued at $200 million, so he could afford an early retirement. Luckily, it appears fans don’t need to worry about that… unless another lawsuit comes out of the wood work.
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