Photo Credit: www.theguardian.com
Structured Asset Sales, one-third owner of the copyright for “Let’s Get It On”, is suing Ed Sheeran for $100 million in damages. They allege the song “copied and exploited” the “melody, rhythms, harmonies, drums, bass line, backing chorus, tempo, syncopation and looping” of Gaye’s song.
You’ll recall this is the second time Sheeran has been sued for the same song. The first suit was brought by the family of Gaye’s son. Sheeran has since denied those allegations, but has often segued “Thinking Out Loud” into “Let’s Get It On” during his concerts. It is unclear if this suit has settled.
Gaye’s songs are no stranger to lawsuits and controversy. In March 2015, a jury ruled that Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’ song, “Blurred Lines” had copied the Marvin Gaye track “Got To Give It Up.” Many IP experts feel the “Blurred Lines” decision has set an unfavorable precedent for the already ambiguous elements of copyright law.
If the case does go to trial like “Blurred Lines”, it’s likely it will come down to whether the jury believes both songs sound similar, since most juries don’t have copyright background.
Listening to both songs, do you think these sound similar?
Article by Carissa Chow