Ed Sheeran Facing $20 Million Copyright Lawsuit Over Hit ‘Photograph’

Ed Sheeran is being sued for $20 million by a songwriting duo that claims that “Photograph” bears a striking resemblance to a song they wrote together.

Ed Sheeran Lawsuit

Martin Harrington and Tom Leonard filed the $20 million copyright lawsuit in Los Angeles Wednesday. In the lawsuit, Harrington and Leonard claim that “Photograph” rips off the chorus of a 2012 song they wrote called “Amazing.” The song was released in 2012 by a British singer named Matt Cardle, who had won the seventh season of UK X Factor. The songwriters are seeking a jury trial in the matter, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

In addition to the $20 million in damages they allege to already have incurred, the two are reportedly seeking royalties from the song or an injunction.

“The songs’ similarities reach the very essence of the work,” states the complaint. “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.'”

Representing Harrington and Leonard is attorney Richard Busch, who memorably helped the Marvin Gaye family win their copyright lawsuit against Robin Thicke and Pharrell over “Blurred Lines.”

“My clients are professional songwriters,” says Busch. “Their work is their life, and I am honored that they have trusted me with this very important case.”

Also named in the lawsuit over “Photograph” is Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, who is credited as a co-writer in the track. Sony/ATV Songs, Warner Music and Polar Patrol Music Publishing are named as well.

“‘Photograph’ is the most valuable of all of the assets of Polar Patrol, and increased the price of the sale,” according to the lawsuit. “The profits of Defendants that Plaintiffs are entitled to recover thus include the portion of Polar Patrol’s sale price that may be attributable to the inclusion of the infringing ‘Photograph’ composition.”

Sheeran has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

As for Cardle, he’s trying to distance himself from the lawsuit, tweeting Thursday, “Please read news articles closely. This is not my lawsuit. I think @edsheeran is a genius & 100% deserves all his success.”

Please read news articles closely. This is not my lawsuit. I think @edsheeran is a genius & 100% deserves all his success ??❤️ X

— Matt Cardle (@mattcardle) June 9, 2016