How Does the Ed Sheeran Case Shape UK Copyright Law

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.