They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but Ed Sheeran's 'Photograph' might cost him US$20 million.
The track is being called a "note-for-note" copy of X Factor winner Matt Cradle's single 'Amazing' in the suit, which has been filed by the song's writers Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard.
They've hired lawyer Richard Busch, who recently won a suit on behalf of Marvin Gaye's family against Robin Thicke's hit 'Blurred Lines'.
"The songs' similarities reach the very essence of the work," the 'Photograph' lawsuit reads.
"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'."
The lawsuit seeks US$20 million, plus statutory damages and either an injunction or a running royalty.
The two tracks have been mashed up in the comparison video below to give an idea of their similarity, or lack thereof.
Newshub.
