Ed Sheeran Sued For Allegedly Ripping Off 'The X-Factor' Song

UK artist Ed Sheeran has been sued by two songwriters who claim he ripped off his 2014 hit song Photograph from a track they wrote for The X Factor UK series winner, Matt Cardle, entitled Amazing.

According to Rolling Stone, writers Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard allege Sheeran blatantly copied parts of their song for his own and are seeking over $US20 million in damages.

They have referenced music charts in the lawsuit which aim to show similarities between chord progressions, melodies and rhythms in both songs. 

Harrington and Leonard have used their 2009 version and Cardle's 2012 version as examples in the complaint. 

The writers have reportedly hired the same attorney who won $US7 million in damages for the family of Marvin Gaye last year, after it was found Pharell Williams and Robin Thicke's 2013 hit Blurred Lines was ripped off from Gaye's 1977 track, Got To Give It Up.

Their lawyer, Richard Busch, claims that 70% of Sheeran's song is identical to Amazing.

"My clients are professional songwriters," Busch said in the statement.

"Their work is their life, and I am honored that they have trusted me with this very important case."

Sheeran is yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

Listen to both songs below.