The Ed Sheeran lawsuit primarily involves a long-running copyright infringement case alleging that Sheeran unlawfully copied elements from Marvin Gaye’s 1973 classic “Let’s Get It On” in his 2014 hit song “Thinking Out Loud.” The lawsuit, spanning over a decade and culminating in key developments in 2024 and 2025, has seen multiple rulings that ultimately favored Sheeran, including a significant 2025 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court declining to revive the case.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was brought by Structured Asset Sales, a company holding partial copyright interests in “Let’s Get It On,” originally co-written by Marvin Gaye and Ed Townsend. The complaint alleged that Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” copied protected components such as melody, harmony, and rhythmic structure from Gaye’s song. The case involved extensive legal battles, expert testimony, and complex copyright law questions about the scope of protection for musical elements.
Legal Proceedings and Court Rulings
- In 2023, a New York federal judge ruled that the aspects of music Sheeran was accused of copying were too generic to be protected by copyright.
- The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed this ruling in 2024, rejecting claims that other elements beyond the copyright-registered sheet music merited protection.
- A jury in a related 2023 trial sided with Sheeran, finding no infringement by his Grammy-winning song.
- In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal aiming to reinstate the lawsuit, effectively ending the decade-long dispute in Sheeran’s favor.
Significance and Outcome
The rulings clarified that basic chord progressions and rhythmic elements common in many songs do not qualify for exclusive copyright protection, supporting Sheeran’s argument that these are fundamental components available to all songwriters. Sheeran and his co-writer Amy Wadge expressed relief after the final decision, noting the personal and professional toll the prolonged litigation had taken.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ed Sheeran Lawsuit
What was Ed Sheeran accused of?
He was accused of copying melody, harmony, and rhythm from Marvin Gaye’s song “Let’s Get It On” in his hit “Thinking Out Loud.”
What did the courts decide?
Courts found the musical components in question to be common and unprotected by copyright, ruling in favor of Sheeran at all major stages of the litigation.
Did the Supreme Court get involved?
Yes, the Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal in 2025, thereby upholding lower court decisions dismissing the lawsuit.
How long has the legal battle lasted?
The dispute has stretched over nearly a decade, with multiple trials, appeals, and legal filings since the original complaint in 2016.
What is the broader implication for music copyright?
The case reinforces that widely used musical building blocks like chord progressions and rhythms cannot be monopolized, preserving creative freedom for songwriters.
Conclusion
The Ed Sheeran lawsuit over “Thinking Out Loud” represents a landmark copyright infringement battle clarifying the limits of musical copyright protection. With courts siding with Sheeran through multiple proceedings and the Supreme Court declining to revive the case, the outcome underscores the balance between protecting original music and allowing creative expression using common musical elements. This resolution provides important legal precedent for songwriters and the music industry, reaffirming the principle that basic musical structures belong to all creators.
