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  • Leeds 1888, Issue-23. Copyright Infringement in the Creative Industry- Decoding the Ed Sheeran Case

Leeds 1888, Issue-23. Copyright Infringement in the Creative Industry- Decoding the Ed Sheeran Case

Also- Weekly Box Office Collection, News Buzz and Remembering Audrey Hepburn

Author

Vipul Agrawal
May 05, 2023

Hello,

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Story of the Week

Copyright infringement in the creative industry - a thin line between what’s free for common use and what’s not. Let’s decode the Ed Sheeran Case.

If you're someone who follows the world of global entertainment, you've likely heard about the high-profile copyright infringement case against Ed Sheeran. The pop sensation was accused of copying the progressions and rhythms of Marvin Gaye's iconic 1973 soul classic, "Let's Get it On," for his own award-winning track from 2014, "Thinking Out Loud."

After several years of legal battles, the case finally went to trial in April of this year. And in a dramatic turn of events, Ed Sheeran himself made a surprise appearance in court with an acoustic guitar, playing "Thinking Out Loud" live in front of a packed courtroom.

The plaintiff in the case argued that the chord progressions used by Sheeran in his hit song were strikingly similar to those in Gaye's classic, and thus constituted copyright infringement. Sheeran's defence team countered by pointing out that chord progressions are a common element in many pop songs, and that it's not uncommon for artists to use similar chord progressions in their work.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Manhattan Federal Court ultimately ruled in Sheeran's favour, acquitting him of all charges. While the case has generated plenty of controversy and discussion in the music industry, it seems that Sheeran can finally put this legal battle behind him and focus on what he does best: creating chart-topping hits that captivate audiences around the world.

Did you know that the US has seen a surge in copyright infringement cases since the high-profile trial in 2015 that awarded over 5 million dollars in damages to Marvin Gaye's estate? The case, which found Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams guilty of copying Gaye's hit song "Got to Give It Up" in their own chart-topper "Blurred Lines," set a precedent for future copyright cases in the music industry.

Since then, a slew of artists and songwriters have found themselves embroiled in legal battles over allegations of copyright infringement. Some argue that this trend is a sign of the increasing importance of intellectual property in the music industry, as well as the growing willingness of artists to defend their creative works against unauthorised use or imitation.

Here is Leeds 1888- Guide to understanding what is protected under copyright for a song or music composition

List of Top Copyright Infringement cases in the Global Music Industry.

As we continue to grapple with the intricacies of copyright law and fair use in the music industry, a new challenge looms on the horizon: the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. These tools have the ability to generate music, lyrics, and other creative content based on vast stores of information, leading to a new wave of inspiration and remixing.

However, this also raises important questions about the role of AI in the creative process, and how we can ensure that original artists and songwriters receive proper credit and compensation for their work. After all, while AI-generated content may be technically "new," it is often based on the work of others, and raises ethical concerns about the ownership and protection of intellectual property.

This Week’s Most Watched Shows & Movies on Global OTT platforms

Buzz in the Media Industry

Pearl from the Past

Yesterday (4th May) marked the birth day of Audrey Hepburn, a beloved icon of film and fashion industry. She was born in the year 1929. The American Film Institute has recognized her as the third-greatest female screen legend from Hollywood's Golden Age, and she has been honoured by being inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame. Her legacy lives on and continues to inspire generations with her enduring elegance and irresistible charm.

And with that, I conclude this week's Leeds1888.

See you again next week!

Take care,

Vipul.

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