A Brazilian judge has issued an order to remove British pop superstar Adele’s song, “Million Years Ago,” from global streaming platforms due to an ongoing plagiarism claim by a Brazilian composer.
The injunction, issued by Judge Victor Torres in Rio de Janeiro’s 6th Commercial Court, demands that both Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music — Adele’s labels — halt all use, reproduction, distribution, and commercialization of the song. A fine of $8,000 will be imposed for each instance of non-compliance.
Although the music companies have the right to appeal the decision, this ruling could have significant global implications.
Fredimio Trotta, the lawyer representing Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, who initiated the plagiarism claim, called this decision a milestone for Brazilian music, which has often been the subject of international imitation for successful hits. Geraes claims Adele’s 2015 track copied the melody from his samba classic “Mulheres” (“Women”), which was featured on a 1995 album by renowned Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila.
Geraes is seeking lost royalties, $160,000 in moral damages, and songwriting credit for Adele’s song.
Sony Music Entertainment Brazil has not responded to requests for comment, while Universal Music Brazil declined to comment on the matter.
Trotta believes this injunction will serve as a deterrent to international artists and labels considering using Brazilian music without permission. “Producers and artists looking at Brazilian tunes for potential copying will now think twice,” Trotta said.
In 2015, Adele was also accused of plagiarism by Turkish fans, who claimed that “Million Years Ago” bore similarities to a 1985 Kurdish song by Ahmet Kaya, titled “Acılara Tutunmak” (“Clinging to Pain”). However, Kaya’s widow dismissed those claims, noting it was unlikely a global artist like Adele would engage in such practices.
Brazil is a signatory to the 1886 Berne Convention, which ensures international copyright protection for creative works.
