Ed Sheeran recently opened up about his experience during the lengthy copyright lawsuit surrounding his hit song “Thinking Out Loud.” When the track was released in 2014, it immediately caused an uproar. Heritage of late songwriter Ed Townsend claimed Ed Sheeran stole portions of Marvin Gaye’s signature song “Let’s Get It On.” The legal fight began in 2017 and concluded in May of 2023. While there were still some notable differences, a judge ultimately ruled in Sheeran’s favor, ruling that he had not violated copyright.
The lawsuit claimed that Sheeran’s song had essentially lifted a chord progression and rhythm from “Let’s Get It On.” This claim raised alarm bells across every segment of the music business. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit announces that decision. They concluded that the two songs shared only generic musical elements that no one individual songwriter can be the owner of. The ruling upheld the original jury’s verdict. It ruled that Sheeran and co-writer Amy Wadge had no access to “Thinking Out Loud” prior and independently created the work.
At the same time, Sheeran described feeling exploited during the course of the lawsuit. He likened himself to a “piggy bank” that other people were rattling to cash in on his success.
“This ruling is consistent with the jury’s rejection of any claim of infringement in the earlier case, finding that Ed and Amy independently created ‘Thinking Out Loud,’” – Donald Zakarin
Sheeran has said he was just happy that the truth prevailed in the end. He stated,
“For a while, I felt like other songwriters were treating me like a ‘piggy bank, where people can just shake it,’” – Ed Sheeran
After his case was resolved, he expressed to us a wish to get on with his life.
“I feel like the truth was heard and the truth was believed.” – Ed Sheeran
The court affirmed that ruling in November 2024. For now, Sheeran can get back to doing what he does best—making music without the cloud of litigation looming over him. He desires the result to act as a validation of his artistry and for this chapter to be closed, largely.
“It’s nice that we can both move on with our lives now — it’s sad that it had to come to this.” – Ed Sheeran
With the court’s decision upheld in November 2024, Sheeran can now focus on his music without the looming shadow of litigation. He appreciates the outcome as a validation of his artistry and hopes to put this chapter behind him.