After years of legal back-and-forth, the high-profile copyright case involving Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” has finally reached its conclusion. The singer’s co-writer, Amy Wadge, says she feels “incredibly relieved” now that the dust has settled.
The lawsuit, filed by the heirs of Ed Townsend—Marvin Gaye’s co-writer on “Let’s Get It On”—claimed that Sheeran and Wadge’s 2014 ballad copied elements of the Gaye classic. The case had been looming for nearly a decade, and for songwriters like Wadge, the outcome carried more than just legal weight—it was about creative freedom.
What Was the Lawsuit About?
The core of the lawsuit was the accusation that “Thinking Out Loud” borrowed harmonic progressions and rhythmic patterns from “Let’s Get It On.” Townsend’s heirs alleged that the similarities amounted to copyright infringement. Sheeran and Wadge maintained from the beginning that any resemblance was purely coincidental and rooted in common musical building blocks.
After a lengthy trial in a New York federal court, the jury sided with Sheeran and Wadge. They found no copyright violation, a verdict that many in the music industry saw as a win for songwriters and artistic expression.
Amy Wadge Speaks Out
Following the decision, Wadge shared her feelings publicly, describing the case as “incredibly draining” and expressing her relief. “I’m just so glad it’s over,” she said, noting how stressful it had been to have a creative work scrutinized for so long in a legal context.
Wadge, who co-wrote “Thinking Out Loud” with Sheeran during a casual writing session in 2014, has long defended the originality of the song. The pair won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 2016, and the track remains one of Sheeran’s biggest hits.
Why This Matters
The “Thinking Out Loud” case has stirred debate about where the line should be drawn between influence and infringement. For musicians and songwriters, the verdict reinforces the idea that not all similarities are theft—especially when it comes to commonly used chords and structures.
Legal experts say the case sets a tone for future copyright trials. Artists can breathe a little easier, knowing that the creative process doesn’t automatically put them at risk of litigation.
Final Thoughts
Ed Sheeran’s co-writer Amy Wadge summed it up best: “We wrote a song we loved. It came from a genuine place.” With the case closed and the court ruling in their favor, “Thinking Out Loud” can now go back to being just what it was meant to be—music.
