Jury rules Ed Sheeran not liable in copyright infringement case over Marvin Gaye song

Fox Business ^ | 5/4/23 | By Lauryn Overhultz , Greg Norman , Marta Dhanis

[CFW]

A jury ruled Thursday that English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was not liable in a case in which he was accused of copying music chords from Marvin Gaye's classic "Let's Get It On" in his 2014 hit song "Thinking Out Loud."

Following the verdict announcement, Sheeran stood up and hugged his team before mouthing "thank you" to the jury.

Outside the courthouse, Sheeran spoke to the press but did not answer questions. The "Shape of You" singer-songwriter said he's happy about "not having to retire from [his] day job" after saying he would stop writing music if he lost the trial.

[CFW]

I'm glad the verdict was for Sheeran. There are just so many notes in music and just so many words in the English language. All music is influenced by music that came before so it's natural that there is going to be overlaps.

[V_TWIN]

So, your a Vanilla Ice fan then? 😏

[TomServo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57SNPbxi0r0

[BlackAdderess]

I’m glad too, it didn’t sound like it and whereas the one is wedding music, the other is more like last call on Friday night

[frogjerk]

That’s quite a stretch although it is funny.

[TexasGator]

Some musical detail

[TomServo]

Just another mashup....lol

[shadowlands1960]

As Tiny Tim used to say “It’s only eight notes! Eight notes!.”

[tennmountainman]

I listened to both songs a couple days ago.
I could not hear any similarities.

[escapefromboston]

Even though I agree with the verdict I wish he was found guilty anyways. He sucks

[rktman]

I’ve used many of the same notes Stevie Ray Vaughn used a lot of times. Not the same results though. Close a time or two. 🎸🔊

[VideoDoctor]

I listened to both songs a couple days ago.
I could not hear any similarities.

DITTO! I felt the same.

[Drew68]

Even though I agree with the verdict I wish he was found guilty anyways. He sucks.

I don’t know much about Sheeran’s music but I do know this: Ben Crump is a shameless race hustler and I’m really glad he lost!

[skeeter]

Most famous (honest) musicians will admit they routinely riff off other artists.

[lee martell]

Sheeran is a good songwriter, but I don’t care for his singing. His voice usually sounds strained and forced out.
Kind of a “Jackson Brown” situation.
Even Elton John has remarked that he is amazed at Sheerans success as a vocalist.

[Boogieman]

“accused of copying music chords”

Freakin ridiculous. You can’t copyright chords.

[1Old Pro]

Yep

[spankalib]

This Ed Sheeren said he could do any song with 4 chords:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApQzx9PNRQk

[1FreeAmerican]

You need little stubby fingers stained with nicotine for that sound. 😊

[BenLurkin]

Awesome.