Ed Sheeran wins Thinking Out Loud copyright case

Ed Sheeran wins Thinking Out Loud copyright case

US court rules Ed Sheeran did not copy Marvin Gaye's song "Let's Get It On" for his hit "Thinking Out Loud". The trial was brought by the heirs of Gaye's co-writer, who claimed Sheeran, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Publishing owed them money for copyright infringement.

Sheeran denied the accusations and said he would retire if found guilty. The jury ruled that Sheeran "independently" created his song, freeing him from the allegations of copying. Sheeran's lawyer argued that the chord progressions and rhythms were "the letters of the alphabet of music" and that songwriters must be free to use them.

What was the reason for the trial brought against Ed Sheeran, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Publishing?