Ed Sheeran Back In Court

Singer & songwriter Ed Sheeran is back in court, but this time to defend his song “Thinking Out Loud.” The heirs of Ed Townsend claim that Sheeran took part of the melody of “Let’s Get it On,” which was co-written by Townsend & Marvin Gaye, when Sheeran created “Thinking Out Loud.”

Today is Day 3 of the trial which kicked off on Tuesday, April 25th. Ed Sheeran stated in court, as well as in several past interviews, that he came up with the song after the death of a grandfather. The song is about finding love at an old age. The heirs of Townsend, are seeking $100mn in damages & the trial is expected to last two weeks.

This isn’t the first time Sheeran was last taken to court over copyright claims…

– In 2017, Sheeran settled out of court over claims his song “Photograph” was a “note-for-note” copy of the chorus in the song “Amazing” by X Factor UK winner Matt Cardle. Sheeran later regretted the decision to settle, saying that it changed his relationship with the song, which he no longer plays live.

– In March 2022 Sheeran was taken to court by musicians Sami Chokri and Ross O’Donoghue for a copyright lawsuit over select phrases & words in “Shape of You.” Ed Sheeran won the case.