Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – December 2024 – A Brazilian judge has issued a ruling ordering the global removal of Adele’s 2015 hit song “Million Years Ago” due to a plagiarism claim by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. The judge’s decision could have significant implications for Adele’s music, as it demands the song be pulled from streaming platforms, radio, television, and all other commercial outlets.
Removal of Adele’s Million Years Ago
The Plagiarism Claim
Toninho Geraes, the Brazilian composer, claims that Adele’s “Million Years Ago” plagiarized his samba classic Mulheres (Women), which was popularized by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila in 1995. Geraes argues that the melody and musical elements of Adele’s song closely resemble his own work. He is seeking $160,000 in moral damages, along with songwriting credit on Adele’s track.
The legal battle is centered on whether Adele’s song improperly borrowed musical elements from Geraes’ composition without proper credit or compensation.
Judge’s Ruling and Injunction
On Friday, Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro’s Sixth Commercial Court issued a preliminary injunction against Adele’s song. The order compels Sony and Universal, the record labels for Adele, to immediately cease the global distribution, reproduction, and commercialization of “Million Years Ago” through any medium, including digital platforms, physical sales, and streaming services.
The judge also imposed a fine of $8,000 per act of non-compliance, threatening the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony and Universal if they do not comply with the ruling. However, the music companies have the right to appeal the decision.
Reactions and Implications for Brazilian Music
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes’ lawyer, hailed the ruling as a significant moment for Brazilian music, which he claims is often copied for international hits. “It is a landmark for Brazilian music,” Trotta said. “This decision will have a chilling effect on international artists and producers who think they can take Brazilian music without proper credit.”
Trotta confirmed that his firm will work to ensure the injunction is enforced globally, notifying radio stations, television broadcasters, and streaming services about the Brazilian court’s ruling.
Previous Allegations of Plagiarism
This is not the first time Adele has faced plagiarism accusations regarding “Million Years Ago.” In 2015, Turkish music fans raised concerns that the melody of the song closely resembled “Acilara Tutunmak” (Clinging to Pain), a track by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya. However, Kaya’s widow stated that it was unlikely that Adele had intentionally copied the song, citing the difficulty of proving such a claim.
The Berne Convention and International Copyright
Brazil, a signatory of the Berne Convention, which provides international protection for copyrighted works, could see the ruling have broader implications for global music copyright cases. As the case progresses, the Brazilian decision may influence how copyright infringement claims are handled worldwide, especially when it comes to international artists borrowing from local music traditions.
Sony and Universal’s Response
Neither Sony Brazil nor Universal Music Brazil has publicly commented on the ruling as of now. Sony Brazil stated it did “not have a statement at this time,” while Universal Music Brazil has not responded to requests for comment.
Looking Ahead
This injunction highlights the ongoing issue of plagiarism claims in the music industry, particularly when it comes to international artists and the use of local musical traditions. If upheld, the ruling could encourage greater respect for Brazilian music and lead to more stringent protections for composers from developing countries in the global music marketplace.
As Adele and her team consider their options, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities of intellectual property in the globalized music industry, where the lines between inspiration and plagiarism can sometimes be blurred.