Ed Sheeran has emerged victorious again after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a lawsuit alleging that his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud” lifted chord progressions from Marvin Gaye’s 1973 classic “Let’s Get It On.”
With the high court’s refusal to hear the appeal, the earlier rulings in Sheeran’s favor remain unchanged, clearing the artist of any wrongdoing.
Origins Of The Dispute
The litigation was initiated by Structured Asset Sales (SAS), an investment firm holding a share in the rights to “Let’s Get It On.” SAS, managed by investment banker David Pullman, asserted that “Thinking Out Loud” borrowed the melody, harmony, and rhythm of Gaye’s song.
After a full hearing, U.S. District Judge Louis Stanton dismissed the case in 2023, ruling that the musical elements in question—simple chord patterns—are too ubiquitous to qualify as protectable under copyright law.
Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal
Unhappy with the district court’s decision, SAS appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York. The appellate panel agreed with Judge Stanton, concluding that the similarities cited were commonplace in popular music and did not amount to infringement. When SAS sought further review, the Supreme Court opted not to grant certiorari, effectively endorsing the lower courts’ findings.
Sheeran’s Reaction To Accusations
This marks the second major legal win for Sheeran regarding “Thinking Out Loud.” Earlier, the Townsend family, whose late patriarch co-wrote “Let’s Get It On,” filed their own infringement suit, which Sheeran likewise beat. Reflecting on the emotional impact of facing claims of artistic theft, Sheeran remarked outside the courthouse:
“It’s devastating to be accused of stealing someone else’s song when we’ve put so much work into our livelihoods.”
His words capture the frustration artists feel when their creative efforts are challenged in courtrooms.
Shifting Focus
As the lawsuits wind down, Sheeran has turned his attention back to music. He recently released “Sapphire,” a collaborative single with Indian sensation Arijit Singh. In a detailed Instagram post, Sheeran described the song’s journey:
“Sapphire was the first song I finished for Play that made me know where the album was heading. It’s why I finished the recording process in Goa surrounded by some of the best musicians in India. It was an incredible creative process.”
He continued, “I shot the music video with @liampethickphoto and @nicminns across my India tour earlier this year, we wanted to showcase the beauty and breadth of the country and its culture. The final jigsaw piece for me was getting @arijitsingh on the record… Me and him have done a full Punjabi version of the song that will come out in the next few weeks, which has a lot more of him on it.”
Sheeran capped his message by calling “Sapphire” his favorite track on the album and encouraging fans to enjoy both the English and forthcoming Punjabi versions.
With the legal battles conclusively behind him, Ed Sheeran is free to concentrate on his evolving artistry. His collaboration with Arijit Singh signals a deeper exploration of global sounds, while the Supreme Court decision protects his creative legacy.
As “Sapphire” resonates with audiences worldwide, Sheeran’s blend of heartfelt songwriting and cross-cultural partnership promises to keep him at the forefront of contemporary music.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
