British pop star Ed Sheeran was awarded the equivalent of almost C$1.5 million in damages on Tuesday to cover his legal costs resulting from the successful legal battle against songwriters who accused of plagiarism.
In April, the 31-year-old singer won his case in the High Court in London, after a lawsuit he deemed emblematic of abusive practices that undermine the music industry.
Justice considered that he had not copied – nor deliberatelyneither unconsciously – part of the melody of the song oh why (2015), by Sami Chokri and Ross O’Donoghue, to compose his planetary success Shape of Youone of the best-selling titles in the world.
In a supplementary judgment, Judge Antony Zacaroli ruled that the unsuccessful plaintiffs should pay the singer’s legal costs, which amount to £916,200 (C$1.45 million).
During the trial, which lasted about ten days in March, the two titles were broadcast – as well as, by mistake, an extract from one of the unreleased songs of the pop star.
Ed Sheeran then denied to borrow ideas of little-known people composing music, while plaintiffs’ attorney, while acknowledging his geniusaccused him of being a magpiein reference to the bird which is sometimes accused of being a thief.
France Media Agency
France Media Agency
Source: Radio-Canada
