Lawsuit alleges Ed Sheeran copied R&B classic 'Let's Get It On'

NEW YORK (AP) — The family of a co-writer of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" is suing Ed Sheeran, claiming the British singer-songwriter's hit, "Thinking Out Loud," sounds too much like the soul classic.

Ed SheeranEric Jamison/Invision/AP, File

The lawsuit filed by the family of Ed Townsend claims Sheeran copied the "heart" of "Let's Get It On" and repeated it continuously throughout "Thinking Out Loud." It says Sheeran continued to perform the song even after he was notified of the copyright infringement claim last year.

The family is demanding a jury trial and compensation for damages.

The suit also names "Thinking Out Loud" co-writer Amy Wadge, producer Jake Gosling, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. and others.

Sheeran's representatives didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.