Adele's 2015 song "Million Years Ago" is ordered off airwaves and streaming platforms worldwide after a Brazilian judge ruled it plagiarized a 1996 hit by Toninho Geraes. The landmark decision highlights the global implications for music copyright.
- Adele's song faces global removal
- A Brazilian court rules in a plagiarism case
- The landmark decision impacts the music industry
The song is a no-go
A Brazilian court has ordered the removal of Adele's song "Million Years Ago" from all radio and streaming services worldwide.
The ruling came after Toninho Geraes, a Brazilian singer-songwriter, claimed that Adele's 2015 track plagiarized his 1996 song "Mulheres," performed by Martinho da Vila. The decision has sent shockwaves through the music industry, emphasizing the importance of copyright protection on a global scale.
Judge Victor Torres issued a preliminary injunction in Rio de Janeiro, mandating Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music to cease "immediately and globally, from using, reproducing, editing, distributing or commercializing the song 'Million Years Ago' by any modality, means, physical or digital support, streaming or sharing platform."
This ruling not only affects Adele's song but also sets a precedent for international music copyright disputes. Geraes' lawyer, Fredimio Trotta, hailed the decision as a "landmark for Brazilian music," suggesting it would deter international producers and artists from exploiting Brazilian music.
"International producers and artists who have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision," he said.
He also told 'Sky News', "The decision interrupts this harmful, criminal act, and now time is running out against those being prosecuted. Because interrupted plagiarism is plagiarism that doesn't make a profit."
Brazil is a signatory to the 1886 Berne Convention that agrees to international protection for copyrighted works.
Initially filed earlier this year, the lawsuit came after Mr Geraes tried to amicably resolve the matter, seeking negotiation with Ms Adele's team without success. Subsequently, he sought compensation for damages and reassertion of his rights over his work, along with any royalties from Ms Adele's song.
Speaking to 'AFP', Mr Geraes's lawyer Fredimio Trotta said, "It is a landmark for Brazilian music, which... has often been copied to compose successful international hits."
He said the injunction should have a chilling effect on foreign singers and labels looking to rip off Brazilian tunes, and vowed to ensure that radio and television broadcasters, and streaming services around the world, are alerted to the Brazilian ruling within the week.
The case, initiated in 2021, also involves financial penalties. Brazilian subsidiaries of Adele’s labels face fines of 8,000" per act of non−compliance." Geraes is seeking compensation for lost royalties, 160,000 in damages, and a songwriting credit on Adele's track.
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This isn't the first time "Million Years Ago" has faced plagiarism accusations; fans in Turkey previously alleged similarities with Ahmet Kaya's 1985 song “Acilara Tutunmak.” These claims underscore the complexities of musical influences and the fine line between inspiration and infringement.
