Overview

• The Supreme Court’s refusal leaves intact the 2nd U.S. Circuit’s ruling that no reasonable jury could find substantial similarity between the songs in light of their melodies and lyrics.
• The legal battle began in 2016 when Ed Townsend’s heirs sued Ed Sheeran over alleged copying of 'Let’s Get It On' in his hit single.
• Structured Asset Sales, which owns an 11% stake in Gaye’s song rights, argued that courts should assess actual recordings rather than relying solely on registered sheet music.
• The U.S. Copyright Office determined that the 1973 registration covers only the handwritten sheet music submitted by Townsend.
• 'Thinking Out Loud', co-written by Amy Wadge, won two Grammy Awards in 2016 and has repeatedly cleared infringement claims at both jury and appeals court levels.