Ed Sheeran arrives at federal court in New York for a copyright trial alleging he stole a chord progression from a Marvin Gaye classic. Industry members are closely following the copyright lawsuit as it could set precedent for protections on songwriters' creations and open the door to legal challenges elsewhere. At issue in the New York case are alleged "striking similarities and overt common elements" between Gaye and Sheeran's songs. Sheeran's team contests the allegations, saying "there are dozens if not hundreds of songs that predate and postdate" Gaye's song, "utilizing the same or similar chord progression." Kathryn Townsend Griffin, the daughter of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote "Let's Get It On" with Marvin Gaye.

Source: The Star April 26, 2023 05:30 UTC