Court documents and settlement announcements

Brazilian Judge Orders Global Removal of Adele's 'Million Years Ago' Due to Plagiarism Lawsuit

Dec 17, 2024, 01:20 AM

A Brazilian judge has issued an injunction ordering the global removal of Adele's song 'Million Years Ago' from streaming services due to allegations of plagiarism. The song, released in 2015 as part of Adele's album '25', is accused by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes of copying the melody of his 1995 samba classic 'Mulheres', which was popularized by Martinho da Vila. The decision, made by Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro's Sixth Commercial Court, demands that Sony and Universal, Adele's record labels, cease the use, distribution, and monetization of the track worldwide. Non-compliance could result in a fine of $8,000 per act of infringement. Geraes is seeking $160,000 in moral damages, lost royalties, and songwriting credit on Adele's track. The injunction is seen as a landmark for Brazilian music, highlighting the frequent copying of Brazilian works for international hits. Both music labels have the option to appeal the decision. This decision applies to 181 countries that are signatories to the Berne Convention, an international treaty guaranteeing copyright protection.