Adele Song Banned Worldwide by Brazilian Judge
AdeleS “Million Years Ago” Hit With Global Ban Over Plagiarism Claims
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A Brazilian judge has issued a worldwide ban on Adele‘s hit song “Million Years Ago,” following a plagiarism lawsuit filed by a Samba composer. The court order,obtained by news outlets,prohibits Sony Music and Worldwide Music’s Brazilian subsidiaries from “using,reproducing,publishing,distributing,or marketing” the song “worldwide and in any medium.”
Violators face a hefty fine of 50,000 Reais (approximately $7,880). The lawsuit was brought by composer Toninho Geraes, who alleges that “Million Years Ago” (2015) borrows heavily from the melody of his song “mulheres,” a hit performed by Brazilian musician Martinho da Vila on an album released in 1995.
“This is a turning point for Brazilian music, which is often copied for international hits due to its rich melodies, harmonies, and rhythms,” said Geraes’ lawyer on December 16th. He believes the court’s decision will deter future plagiarism attempts by “parasitic profiteers.”
Record Labels Can Appeal
Sony Music and Universal Music, the record labels representing Adele, can appeal the ruling. When contacted by news outlets, Sony Music declined to comment. Universal Music has yet to respond. The plagiarism lawsuit, currently under review by a Rio de Janeiro court, also seeks one million Reais in damages.This isn’t the first time “million Years Ago” has sparked controversy. Turkish internet users previously claimed similarities between the song’s melody and that of ”Acilara Tutunmak” by the late Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya, who passed away in 2000.
Brazil is a signatory to the Berne Convention of 1886, which provides international protection for authors’ rights to their works.
Adele’s “Million Years Ago” Faces Global Ban Over Brazilian Plagiarism Claims
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A Brazilian judge has issued a global injunction against Adele’s hit song “Million Years Ago,” following a plagiarism lawsuit filed by Brazilian samba composer Toninho Geraes.
The court order, obtained by news outlets, prohibits Sony Music and Worldwide Music’s Brazilian subsidiaries from “using, reproducing, publishing, distributing, or marketing” the song “worldwide and in any medium.” Violating the injunction could result in a fine of 50,000 Reais (approximately $7,880).
Geraes alleges that “Million Years Ago,” released in 2015, borrows heavily from the melody of his song “mulheres,” performed by Brazilian musician Martinho da Vila on an album released in 1995.
“This is a turning point for Brazilian music, which is often copied for international hits due to its rich melodies, harmonies, and rhythms,” said Geraes’ lawyer on December 16th. He believes the court’s decision will deter future plagiarism attempts by “parasitic profiteers.”
Record labels Sony Music and Universal Music, representing Adele, have the option to appeal the ruling. Sony Music declined to comment when contacted by news outlets, while universal Music has yet to respond.
The plagiarism lawsuit, currently under review by a rio de janeiro court, also seeks one million Reais in damages. This isn’t the first time “Million Years Ago” has faced controversy.Turkish internet users previously alleged similarities between the song’s melody and that of “Acilara Tutunmak” by the late Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya, who died in 2000.
Brazil,a signatory to the Berne Convention of 1886,upholds international protection for authors’ rights to their works.