How Does the Ed Sheeran Case Shape UK Copyright Law
Written By
Associate
UK
I am an associate in our Intellectual Property Group based in London, focusing on contentious matters. My practice encompasses a number of sectors including Media, Entertainment and Sport, Retail and Consumer, and Technology and Communications.
Following an 11-day trial in London, featuring Ed Sheeran briefly singing from the witness stand, the High Court on Wednesday handed down its decision in Sheeran & Ors v Chokri & Ors, a copyright infringement case concerning the pop superstar’s 2017 hit song, ‘Shape of You’. The Defendants alleged that the “Oh I” post chorus section of Sheeran’s hit was copied from ‘Oh Why’ a track by Sami Switch, and notified PRS of their contention that they should be credited as co-writers, following which the claimants brought proceedings seeking a declaration of non-infringement.
