Ed Sheeran lawsuit latest: Singer wins plagiarism lawsuit over Marvin Gaye song Let’s Get It On

The British singer has been accused of stealing Gaye’s 1973 classic ‘Let’s Get It On’

Sheeran’s grandmother’s funeral was held in Ireland today. The singer’s father confirmed that his son had to miss the opportunity to attend his ongoing trial in New York.

“I am very sad that our son Edward cannot be here today. He’s so upset he can’t be there,” he said.

“Our son Edward … has to stand in a court of law thousands of miles away in America defending his integrity,” Father said during the eulogy

Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. The jury has begun its deliberations and a verdict is expected shortly. The plaintiff’s attorneys are reportedly in court, but none from the defense (Sheeran’s team) yet.

We’ll keep you posted here.

While we await the upcoming verdict, which is expected to be announced today, here is a brief overview of the case:

Singer in court this week to defend against claims he stole from the most famous R&B anthem of all time

Ed Sheeran has revealed his plans for a posthumous album.

The 32-year-old singer, who is set to release his latest math album Subtract (-) said this week he was working on a secret album to be released after his death.

“I want to slowly make this album, which is quote-marked ‘perfect,’ for the rest of my life, adding songs here and there,” Sheeran said Rolling Stone. “And just have it in my will for it to come out after I die.”

The ‘Shape of You’ singer will release his latest math album Subtract (-) in May

A source close to Sheeran said The Independent that the verdict is expected today. It could have huge implications given reports this week that the musician told the court he plans to quit music if he loses.

In the same New York court, investment banker David Pullman — who owns a third of Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” — is suing Sheeran for copyright infringement.

A judge ruled last year that that lawsuit would also go to court despite Sheeran’s motion to dismiss.

Because Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” was released in 1973, it’s limited to copyright laws for songs written before 1978, leaving many only protecting the contents of the sheet music filed with the Copyright Office.

For Gaye’s anthem, the only protected parts are chords, lyrics, and vocal melodies. Meanwhile, other important aspects like the bass line and the opening riff have been left out.

Therefore, the lawsuit can only really dispute the chord progressions between the two songs.

It’s time for the lawyers on both sides to make their final arguments.

Sheeran’s attorney, Ilene S. Farkas, begins by saying the trial “should never have started.”

“Ed Townsend didn’t create those musical building blocks. Ed Townsend wasn’t the first songwriter to use and combine these elements. It wasn’t original,” she says.

Hear the songs at the heart of the process…