A Rio de Janeiro judge has ordered the immediate worldwide removal of Adele song “Million Years Ago” due to its infringement of copyright in Brazilian songwriter Toninho Geraes’ earlier track “Mulheres”.
Geraes issued proceedings against Universal Music and Sony Music Entertainment earlier this year on the basis of alleged copyright infringement, with his lawyers even going so far as to upload a YouTube video highlighting the supposed similarity between the two songs.
Per the judgment, Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music are ordered to cease “using, reproducing, editing, distributing, or commercializing” the song on streaming platforms and other services without Geraes’ express consent, with immediate effect. Should they fail to do so, the Court has imposed a fine of 50,000 reals (£6,422.44).
Universal Music is reportedly appealing the decision. However, Geraes lawyers have wasted no time in notifying streaming services (including Spotify and Deezer) of the decision and seek the removal of the song in question. At the time of writing, the song appears to still be active.
It remains to be seen if Universal Music will be successful in its appeal. If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniels Law on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com.
