Pro IQRA News Updates. 
Ed Sheeran appears in court in a copyright trial
A Manhattan jury found Ed Sheeran not liable for copyright infringement.
The British singer-songwriter has been sued by the estates of Ed Townsend, the songwriter who composed the 1973 slow jam classic “Let’s Get It On” with Marvin Gaye.
They accused Sheeran’s 2014 song of copying the anthem’s harmonic progressions as well as melodic and rhythmic elements without permission.
The lawsuit was initially filed in 2017, but it took six years to finally reach federal court in Manhattan.
Sheeran adamantly denied plagiarizing “Let’s Get It On”. His lawyers argued that the song uses common structures found in many pop tracks.
He reportedly told the court this week that if he loses, he plans to give up music.
Meanwhile, his father told those present at Sheeran’s grandmother’s funeral that the singer was “too upset” to attend, as he was still in New York over a copyright issue.
Ed Sheeran wins plagiarism case for Marvin Gaye’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’
Ed Sheeran copyright lawsuit
(Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
British singer accused of ripping up Gaye’s 1973 classic “Let’s Get It On”
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023 18:15
Yesterday Sheeran missed her grandmother’s funeral in Ireland because of the trial
The funeral of Sheeran’s grandmother took place in Ireland today. The singer’s father confirmed that his son had to miss the occasion to attend his ongoing trial in New York.
“I am so sad that our son Edward is not able to be here today. He is so upset that he cannot come,” he said.
(Getty Images)
During the eulogy, the father said, “Our son Edward … must be thousands of miles away in court in America to defend his integrity.”
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023, 18:00
The lawyers are back in the courtroom
Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. The jury has begun deliberations and a verdict is expected soon. Reportedly, attorneys for the plaintiff appear in court but no one from the defense (Sheeran’s team) yet.
We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments here.
Tom MurrayMay 4, 2023 17:40
Everything you need to know about the trial so far
While we await the imminent ruling, expected today, follow a briefing on the case here:
Ed Sheeran – Copyright – Lawsuit
(Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Singer is in court this week to defend himself over allegations that he plagiarized the most iconic R&B anthem of all time
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023, at 17:30 p.m
Ed Sheeran reveals plans for a posthumous album
Ed Sheeran has revealed plans for a posthumous album.
The 32-year-old singer, who is set to release his latest sports album Subtract or discount (-) This week, he said he was working on a secret album that will be released upon his death.
“I want to gradually make this Unquoted album ‘perfect’ for the rest of my life, adding songs here and there,” Sheeran said. Rolling Stone. “And it is only in my will that after I die he shall come forth.”
(Getty Images for SiriusXM)
The “Shape of You” singer is set to release his latest album Subtract (-) in May
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023, 17:00
When will the verdict arrive?
said a source close to Sheeran The Independent The verdict is expected today. It could have major ramifications given the reports the musician told the court this week that, should he lose, he plans to quit music.
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023 16:30
Sheeran is also facing another lawsuit from the owner of Jai’s song
In the same New York City court, investment banker David Pullman—who owns one-third of Jay’s “Let’s Get It On”—sued Sheeran for copyright infringement.
A judge ruled last year that that lawsuit would also go to trial despite Sheeran’s motion for dismissal.
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023 16:00
What part of the song is copyrighted?
Given Marvin Gaye’s release of “Let’s Get It On” in 1973, it’s limited by copyright laws to songs made before 1978, which for many leave protection only for sheet music contents submitted to the Copyright Office.
For Jay’s anthem, the only protected parts include the chords, lyrics, and vocal melody. Meanwhile, other important aspects, such as the bass line and sound hole, were left out.
Therefore, the lawsuit can only really dispute the chord progressions between the two songs.
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023 15:30
Sheeran’s lawyer says case ‘should never have been brought’
It’s time for both sides’ attorneys to make closing arguments.
Sheeran’s attorney, Elaine S. Farkas, begins by saying that the trial “should never have taken place.”
“Ed Townsend didn’t create these musical building blocks. Ed Townsend wasn’t the first songwriter to use and combine these elements. It wasn’t original,” she says.
Inga BarkelleMay 4, 2023 15:00
Video: Listen to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” along with Marvin Gaye’s song
Hearing songs in the middle of a trial…
Listen to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” alongside Marvin Gaye’s song
Eli HarrisonMay 4, 2023 14:30
.