Ed Sheeran is currently in a bit of trouble with his chart-topping single “Photograph.” He’s being sued for a whopping $20 million by Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard, the songwriters behind the song “Amazing.”
If you’re not familiar, “Amazing” is an emotional ballad sung by The X-Factor’s Matt Cardle. The lawsuit alleges that Sheeran’s “Photograph” ripped off the 2009 single. According to E!, who obtained a copy of the lawsuit, the lawsuit states “the similarity of words, vocal style, vocal melody, melody and rhythm are clear indicators, amount [sic] other things, that ‘Photograph’ copies ‘Amazing.'”
The lawsuit estimates that the defendants (including Sheeran) have profited $20 million from the song and want statutory damages and a running royalty or injunction.
Harrington and Leonard are currently being represented by Richard Busch who has a pretty successful track record when it comes to copyright cases. Most notably, he represented Marvin Gaye’s family in the lawsuit against Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.”
It’s undeniable that both Sheeran’s “Photograph” and Matt Cardle’s “Amazing” have a similar feeling, but you can’t copyright a feeling. Check out the two songs below and tell us what you think.
Ed Sheeran – “Photograph”
Matt Cardle – “Amazing”
Let us know what you think in the comments below!
