The copyright infringement trial of Ed Sheeran is over.
The jury found him not liable of copyright infringement.
On Wednesday in a Manhattan U.S. District Courtroom, attorneys for both sides gave their closing arguments. The estate of Marvin Gaye claimed that the mashup in concert of “Let’s Get It On” and “Thinking Out Loud” proves their case.
The judge seemed to tip the scales in Sheeran’s direction. Judge Louis Stanton reportedly informed the jury during deliberation instructions that Gaye’s estate needed to prove beyond doubt that Sheeran wrongly copied the song. The judge added, (quote) “Independent creation is a complete defense, no matter how similar that song is.” (Variety)
The jury took 3 hours to deliberate before making their decision.