Ed Sheeran won a copyright lawsuit that accused him of copying Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On’ in his hit ‘Thinking Out Loud,’ a court has ruled.
The British singer-songwriter hugged his wife, Cherry Seaborn, his lawyers, and his co-writer, Amy Wadge, after the verdict was read.
Speaking outside the courthouse, he said: “I’m obviously very happy with the outcome of the case, and it looks like I’m not having to retire from my day job, after all.”
He also expressed his frustration that ‘baseless claims’ are ‘allowed to go to court.’
“We’ve 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,” he went on.
“These chords are common building blocks that were used to create music long before ‘Let’s Get It On’ was written and will be used to make music long after we are all gone.
“They are in a songwriter’s alphabet, our toolkit, and should be there for all of us to use. No one owns them or the way they are played. In the same way that nobody owns the color blue.”
The singer continued: “Unfortunately, unfounded claims like this are being fueled by individuals who are being offered as music experts in musical analysis.”
Sheeran also mentioned how he missed his grandfather’s funeral because of the trial.
“Having to be in New York for this trial has meant that I have missed being with my family at my grandmother’s funeral in Ireland. These trials take a significant trial on everyone involved, including Catherine,” he expressed.
“I want to thank the jury for making the decision that will help protect the creative process of songwriters here in the United States and all around the world.
“I also want to thank my team, these guys, who have supported me throughout this difficult process. And to all the songwriters, musicians, and fans who have reached out with messages of support over the last few weeks.”
Sheeran concluded: “And finally, I would like to thank Amy. Neither of us ever expected that – nine years ago, from our wonderful writing session – that we would be here having to defend our integrity. Amy, I feel so lucky to have you in my life, thank you.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!