Trouble for Ed Sheeran. Two songwriters and the publishing company HaloSongs are suing the British singer over his 2015 smash “Photograph,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard allege that Sheeran, 25, stole material from the 2009 song “Amazing,” which was recorded by singer Matt Cardle. Cardle won the British version of The X Factor in 2010.
“The songs’ similarities reach the very essence of the work,” the plaintiffs’ complaint read, via THR. “The similarities go beyond substantial, which is itself sufficient to establish copyright infringement, and are in fact striking. The similarity of words, vocal style, vocal melody, melody and rhythm are clear indicators, among other things, that ‘Photograph’ copies ‘Amazing.'”
Harrington and Leonard have previously worked with Kylie Minogue and Spice Girls’ Emma Bunton. They are being represented by attorney Richard Busch.
Last year, Busch helped the Marvin Gaye family win $7.3 million in their copyright infringement case against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams. The entertainers were ordered to pay for reportedly using some of Gaye’s 1977 song “Got to Give It Up” for their 2013 hit “Blurred Lines.” They later said in a statement that they didn’t take their song from anyone and are considering their options.
“My clients are professional songwriters,” Busch said in a statement about Harrington and Leonard. “Their work is their life, and I am honored that they have trusted me with this very important case.”
