Understanding Copyright in Music

What was the jury considering about Ed Sheeran last year?

• Whether he had copied Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On'

• Whether he won a music award

• Whether he released a new album

• Whether he retired from music

What did the jury listen to in the courtroom?

• A robotic voice on a bare, electronically recreated track

• The original recording of 'Let's Get It On'

• Live performance by Ed Sheeran

• A speech by Marvin Gaye

What is a common definition of a song among music fans?

• The melodies, lyrics, and grooves from speakers

• A collection of musical instruments

• A written piece of music only

• A dance performance

Which artists have been involved in high-profile copyright lawsuits?

• Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Drake, and Rihanna

• The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Madonna

• Ed Sheeran, Led Zeppelin, Pharrell, and Robin Thicke

• Adele, Sam Smith, Beyonce, and Jay-Z

What does the article suggest is a complex issue in copyright law?

• Determining the age of a song

• Defining what constitutes songwriting

• Choosing the best music genre

• The cost of music production