26 November 2025
From Ed Sheeran to George Harrison, some of the world’s biggest artists have faced accusations of copying other musicians’ work. These “soundalike” lawsuits are becoming more common — and they can drag on for years, costing millions.
Ed Sheeran’s long-running legal battle with Marvin Gaye’s estate finally ended in 2025, with the court ruling in Sheeran’s favour. He proved that he wrote his hit song independently. Others haven’t been as lucky — artists like Nicki Minaj and George Harrison have had to pay royalties after being found to have copied earlier works.
So how can you, as an Australian musician, avoid ending up in the same situation? The answer lies in proving you created your music independently — and that means keeping detailed records of how your songs come to life.
Why “Soundalike” Cases Are on the Rise
Music copyright disputes are now everywhere. Artists like Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Radiohead, and even Led Zeppelin have faced claims that their songs resemble someone else’s work.
And with AI tools scanning millions of tracks for similarities, expect to see even more disputes in the coming years.
What makes these cases so tricky is that copyright law doesn’t protect ideas or musical styles — only original expression. Two songs can sound similar by coincidence. But if you can’t prove how you created yours, a court may assume you copied, even unintentionally.
How Independent Creation Works
In copyright law, similarity alone isn’t enough to prove infringement. The copyright owner must show that you actually copied their work — that you had access to it and used it as the basis for your own.
If you can show that your song was written independently, the claim fails. But the challenge is evidence: most musicians don’t keep records of how a song developed, especially if it was written years earlier.
That’s why keeping a “creation file” — a record of your songwriting process — is so powerful. It shows that your work came from your own creativity, not someone else’s.
What to Include in Your Creation File
You don’t need anything fancy — just evidence that shows how your song evolved. For example:
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Demos, rough recordings, or voice memos from the writing process
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Notes, lyric drafts, and timestamps showing when each version was created
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Details of who contributed what (for songwriting credits and royalties)
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References to musical elements used and where they came from
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Proof of permission for any samples used
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Updates made during recording or live performances
Even emailing the file to yourself creates a verifiable timestamp that could help prove your case later.
The Takeaway
Copyright disputes aren’t just a problem for superstars — they can hit any musician who releases work publicly. The safest move is to document your songwriting process from day one.
It might feel like busywork, but it could save your career (and your royalties) if someone ever claims your song sounds too familiar.
Protect your music, your name, and your rights.
If you’re releasing original songs or planning collaborations, make sure your copyright and ownership are watertight.
IP Solved can help you safeguard your work and guide you through the legal side of creative success — before the lawyers and lawsuits come calling.
