Ed Sheeran Faces a Massive $100 Million Lawsuit Over “Thinking Out Loud”
In a high‑stakes legal showdown, pop icon Ed Sheeran is now under fire for allegedly ripping a hefty chunk of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit Let’s Get It On to create his 2015 chart‑buster “Thinking Out Loud.”
Who’s the Claimant?
- Structured Asset Sales LLC – an investment firm run by David Pullman, a former broker famous for pioneering the sale of “Bowie Bonds.”
- Other names on the docket include Sony/ATV Music Publishing and the Atlantic Records label.
The Allegations in a Nutshell
According to the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the new hit shamelessly copies:
- Melody
- Rhythms
- Harmonies
- Drums
- Bass line
- Backing chorus
- Tempo
- Syncopation
- Looping patterns
In plain words: the tune that “Thinking Out Loud” shares is almost a mirror image of the classic that launched Gaye’s timeless appeal.
What’s the Backstory?
Ed Sheeran, then 27, has had prior copyright bumps—Photograph and Shape of You have both faced plagiarism claims. This time, the stakes are sky‑high, with the lawsuit demanding a hefty $100 million.
Marvin Gaye, the original soul legend, tragically passed away at 44 after being shot by his father in 1984. The lawsuit goes beyond the music itself; it’s part of a larger rip in the music copyright world.
Previous Litigation Highlights
In a similar vein, a federal appeals court upheld a $5.3 million ruling against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for copying Got to Give It Up in their 2013 hit “Blurred Lines.”
Other artists who’ve recently found themselves in copyright hot water include Miley Cyrus, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Led Zeppelin, and Madonna.
Pullman’s Perspective
Pullman, 56, cautions artists: “Don’t wait until the song becomes a hit to get the legal ducks in order.” He explains that three independent musicologists tested the songs and found them “substantially or strikingly similar,” a key benchmark for proving infringement.
Current Status
Defendants have denied any wrongdoing, and no official statements have come from Sheeran’s camp yet. The case sits under the docket number Structured Asset Sales LLC v Sheeran et al, US District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 18-05839.
As the legal battle unfolds, everyone—from fans to lawyers—will be watching closely to see whether this pop superstar can salvage his legacy or have to resolve the matter in court.
