Shape Of You might be one of Ed Sheeran’s best-known songs – but it’s currently at the centre of a dispute which means the singer’s not receiving any royalties for it.
The song was the biggest selling single of 2017 in the UK, and has generated an estimated £20m in revenues.
However, it’s also currently the subject of a High Court claim from musician Sam Chokri over similarities to a song of his – allegations which Sheeran denies.
Here’s what you need to know about the case.
Why have Ed Sheeran’s Shape Of You royalties been blocked?
Royalties for the track have been blocked pending a court decision on the case, which sees Chokri claiming that Sheeran copied the chorus for Shape Of You from his 2015 song Oh Why.
The 26-year-old has alleged that he sent the track to the singer’s ‘circle’ in an attempt to work with him, but claims he later heard it on Shape Of You.
He has gone on to claim that Ed has used material from other artists – including Jasmine Rae, TLC and Shaggy – in his music.
The claims come after Sheeran launched a complaint of his own against Chokri, after the musician won a ruling from the Performing Rights Society after he set out a case for copyright infringement.
Ed has alleged that Chokri damaged his reputation and blocked his revenue streams, and has denied the allegations against him.
It’s not the first time the singer has found himself at the centre of a copyright infringement case.
He is also currently embroiled in litigation over claims that his 2014 hit Thinking Out Loud lifted ‘major harmonic progressions and rhythmic elements’ from Marvin Gaye’s classic Let’s Get It On.
What is Ed Sheeran’s net worth?
According to the Sunday Times Rich List released in May Ed has a net worth of around £160m.
However it’s likely that figure could soar in the wake of his Divide tour – which has netted him an estimated $775.5m (£636m) – making it the highest grossing tour of all time.
Ed wrapped up the tour at Chantry Park, Ipswich, on Monday – announcing he plans to take a lengthy hiatus to spend time with his family and wife Cherry Seaborn.
‘As you may or may not know, I’ve been on the Divide tour for over two years now and this is the last day of the whole thing,’ he told the crowd.
‘There is something very bittersweet about it. I love that you guys are here and we are ending it in Ipswich. This is my last gig for probably 18 months.’
Got a showbiz story?
If you’ve got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Ed Sheeran ‘emotional’ as he announces 18-month break after two years on Divide Tour
