After nearly a decade of legal battles, Ed Sheeran may finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief. The long-running copyright lawsuit that has shadowed his hit song “Thinking Out Loud” seems to be reaching its final chapter—one that fans and fellow artists have been watching closely for years.
The dispute began in 2014 when the heirs of Ed Townsend, co-writer of Marvin Gaye’s legendary track “Let’s Get It On,” claimed that Sheeran’s 2014 hit shared substantial similarities with Gaye’s classic. Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that the chord progression and rhythmic feel of “Thinking Out Loud” were lifted from “Let’s Get It On,” thereby infringing on copyright laws.
For Ed Sheeran, the case quickly became more than just about music—it became about defending creative freedom. Throughout the trial, Sheeran strongly denied copying any part of Gaye’s song, stating that the chord progression used in “Thinking Out Loud” was common and could be found in countless other songs. He even testified in court and brought his guitar to demonstrate how such progressions were part of music’s shared language rather than proprietary patterns.
In May 2023, a major turning point arrived when a U.S. federal jury ruled in favor of Sheeran. The court concluded that the similarities in the two songs were not enough to establish copyright infringement. Sheeran expressed relief after the verdict, calling it a win not just for himself but for all songwriters. “If the jury had decided differently, we might as well say goodbye to the creative freedom of music,” he said.
However, the story didn’t end there.
The plaintiffs filed a motion to appeal, extending the case into 2024. But as of mid-2025, legal sources close to the matter suggest that the appeals process is either being dropped or has reached its final stages, with no further hearings scheduled. While no official statement has been released by either party, several music law analysts believe the lawsuit may finally be over.
This case has sparked debates throughout the music industry. It highlighted how subjective copyright cases can be—especially when based on elements like chords, grooves, or “vibe,” which are often universal in music composition. Artists like Taylor Swift, Pharrell Williams, and Sam Smith have all faced similar challenges, making Sheeran’s victory a landmark moment in the ongoing discussion around intellectual property in music.
As it stands now, Ed Sheeran can continue performing “Thinking Out Loud” without the looming threat of a courtroom battle. The case serves as a reminder of how creativity and originality still walk a fine legal line, even in an art form as universally shared as music.
Whether or not this chapter is officially closed, one thing is clear: the outcome has set a precedent and opened up an important conversation about how we protect creativity while still allowing it to flourish.