Ed Sheeran has been in the headlines recently over his lawsuit against Marvin Gaye's estate. Additionally, his estate alleges the U.K. singer is being sued for copyright infringement. Moreover, Gaye's estate claims Ed Sheeran's 2014 smash hit "Thinking Out Loud," has striking similarities to Marvin Gaye's classic "Let's Get It On." Specifically, Sheeran was hit with the lawsuit by Gaye's co-writer Ed Townsend. He slammed the songwriter with allegations of "ripping" key elements from Gaye's 1973 hit. The co-writer claimed the harmony and even the melody were taken from the song. However, Ed Sheeran's defense team says otherwise.
Sheeran's legal team told the courts that the elements of the song structurally, are undeniable. However, they also mentioned the symmetry points solely to the foundation of music. "The two songs share versions of a similar and unprotectable chord progression that was freely available to all songwriters," said Sheeran's defense team. Not only that, due to this case, it's taken quite a toll on the "Shape of You" singer. When asked how the trial has affected him Ed Sheeran gave quite a somber response.
Ed Sheeran's Not Quitting Music
The musician said, "I find it really insulting to devote my whole life to being a performer and a songwriter and have someone diminish it." Not only that he noted if found guilty he would quit and stop making music. However, it appears that won't be the case for the Grammy winning artist. Today the jury deliberated and made their verdict. The jury finds Ed Sheeran not liable for the copyright of Marvin Gaye's "Lets Get It On."
The singer received the verdict today after the jury made their decision. Thankfully we'll still be getting new music from the Division musician. However, who knows how long that'll be 'til we get anything new from Sheeran, due to the circumstances. Let us know what you think of the verdict in the comments below!