Ed Sheeran gets second victory in copyright trial with awards of USD 1.1 million in costs

ANI
22 Jun 2022, 20:07 GMT+10

Washington [US], June 22 (ANI): Ed Sheeran has secured another victory in his recent copyright trial after a British judge awarded the singer over USD 1.1 million in costs, a sum representing approximately 90 per cent of Sheeran's legal bill.

As per Variety, Judge Antony Zacaroli while explaining his decision to award Sheeran such substantial costs, wrote in his judgment: "The starting point is to identify the winners and losers in the action because the general rule is that the unsuccessful party pays the costs of the successful party. There is no dispute as to this; Sheeran undoubtedly won and won on every substantial point."In April, Judge Zacaroli ruled that Sheeran did not plagiarize a 2015 song called 'Oh Why' by Sami Chokri in his hit song 'Shape of You.'Sheeran co-wrote 'Shape of You' with Snow Patrol singer Johnny McDaid and producer Steve Mac (using his legal name of Steven McCutcheon during the trial), who co-wrote the storyline.

Chokri's legal team, through a publicity campaign and common friends including SBTV founder Jamal Edwards, had argued that Sheeran had the opportunity to listen to and plagiarize Chokri's track. However, in the judgement, Mr Zararoli said, "I do not accept this. Mr Chokri is undoubtedly a serious and talented songwriter and while his management were unsurprisingly trying to create some hype around the release of the Solace EP, it had limited success. In my judgment, the possibility that these attempts might have led to it coming to Mr Sheeran's attention - either because someone he was associated with playing it to him or because he found it himself - is at best speculative."As per Variety, following Judge Zacaroli's ruling, Sheeran in April, released a video statement in which he said, "Whilst we're obviously happy with the result I feel like claims like this are way too common now and we've become a culture where a claim is made with the idea that settlement will be cheaper than taking it to court, even if there is no base to the claim. It's really damaging to the songwriting industry."Sheeran is believed to be still fighting another copyright lawsuit over his song 'Thinking Out Loud,' and in 2016 he was sued over the song 'Photograph.' This case was settled out of court. (ANI)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Bristol Star.

More Information

null in null

United Kingdom

Section

Faulty IT system at heart of UK Post Office scandal, says report

LONDON, U.K.: At least 13 people are believed to have taken their own lives as a result of the U.K.'s Post Office scandal, in which...

Ex-UK PM Sunak takes advisory role at Goldman Sachs

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...

"He cracked game open..": Stokes on Archer's spell after victory in Third Test against India

London [UK], July 14 (ANI): England Test captain Ben Stokes classified tearaway Jofra Archer's blistering spell in the opening hour...

The Open keeps prize money at $17M

(Photo credit: Jack Gruber-Imagn Images) The Open Championship prize pool will remain at $17 million this week, the first time in...

From Sonam Kapoor's classy pantsuit to Jaqueline Fernandez's stylish blazer vest, Indian celebs served fashion at Wimbledon 2025

New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): The prestigious Tennis tournament, Wimbledon, was full of on-court dramas and huge upsets with Iga...

Ireland's Ben Healy takes over yellow jersey at Tour de France

(Photo credit: REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier) Ireland's Ben Healy lost a chance at a Stage 10 victory Monday but gained something far...

International

Section