Adele’s 2015 hit “Million Years Ago” has been ordered to be removed from all platforms worldwide by a Brazilian court, following allegations of plagiarism. The lawsuit, filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, claims that the song mirrors his 1995 samba “Mulheres,” popularized by Martinho da Vila.
The Allegations
Toninho Geraes asserts that Adele’s track replicates the introduction, chorus, and conclusion of “Mulheres,” resulting in an 87% similarity between the two songs. He contends that this constitutes a clear case of plagiarism.
Legal Proceedings
In response to Geraes’ claims, Judge Victor Agustin Jaccoud Diz Torres of the 6th Commercial Court in Rio de Janeiro issued a preliminary injunction on December 16, 2024. The ruling mandates the immediate and global removal of “Million Years Ago” from all streaming and sharing platforms, including Spotify, Deezer, and YouTube. Non-compliance with this order could result in a daily fine of R$ 50,000.
- Advertisement -
Defendants and Claims
- The lawsuit targets several parties:
- Sony Music Entertainment Brasil Ltda.
- Universal Music Publishing MGB Brasil Ltda.
- Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (Adele)
- Gregory Allen Kurstin (Greg Kurstin)
Beggars Group
Geraes seeks R$ 1 million in moral damages and demands compensation for all unpaid royalties since the release of “Million Years Ago” in November 2015.
Defendants’ Response
Universal Music, Adele’s record label, has appealed the court’s decision. The label argues that the similarities between the two songs are due to a common musical clichĂ© and not plagiarism. They contend that the melodies in question are widely used and not exclusive to either composition.
Mais
Implications and Global Context
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in the music industry regarding plagiarism and intellectual property rights. While the court’s decision is binding within Brazil, its global enforcement remains uncertain. The ruling highlights the complexities of international copyright law and the need for artists and producers to ensure the originality of their work.
The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for future disputes involving alleged plagiarism in the music industry, particularly concerning the use of traditional melodies and rhythms in contemporary compositions.
