A Brazilian court has ordered the global removal of Adele’s 2015 song Million Years Ago. Following a plagiarism lawsuit filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. The case, which has sparked widespread attention, claims that Adele’s ballad closely mimics Geraes’s 1995 samba “Mulheres,”. With allegations centering on strikingly similar melodic lines.
The court’s decision, handed down in December 2024, represents a significant move in global copyright enforcement. The injunction requires Sony Music and Universal Music to immediately cease all distribution of Million Years Ago, both physically and digitally. This includes all streaming services, radio play, and commercial use of the track worldwide. The ruling also imposes a fine of $8,000 for each instance of non-compliance, adding pressure on the music giants to comply with the court’s order.
Toninho Geraes, a well-respected figure in Brazil’s music scene, argues that Adele’s song borrows heavily from his samba composition “Mulheres.” He claims that key elements of the melody. Which is central to the samba’s charm. It could have been replicated in Million Years Ago. The lawsuit has raised important questions about the protection of regional musical styles and how far copyright laws should go in safeguarding the originality of traditional music against influences from international artists.
Adele’s Label has Appealed
The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of plagiarism in the music industry. How borrowing from different genres and cultures can sometimes lead to disputes over originality. The lawsuit has caught the attention of other artists and legal experts, with some supporting Geraes’s claim and others questioning whether the similarities are enough to warrant a ban.
Universal Music, Adele’s label, has filed an appeal against the court’s decision, arguing that any similarities between the two songs are entirely unintentional. They contend that the melody in Million Years Ago draws on well-established musical tropes and clichés. That could have been used by many artists long before Geraes’s 1995 samba. They further argue that this is not an isolated case, referencing other songs such as “Yesterday When I Was Young” which employ similar melodies.
Despite the appeal, the ruling has already had significant repercussions for Adele’s song. The global injunction. Which has been applied not just in Brazil but in other territories. Raises important questions about copyright law’s reach and its ability to protect artists’ intellectual property in a rapidly globalized music market. The outcome of the case could influence future legal battles involving international music stars. Including regional composers. Potentially shaping how copyright laws are enforced across borders in the futrue.
The case has also sparked broader conversations within the industry about the challenges of copyright in an age of blending musical influences, as well as the responsibilities of artists to respect cultural heritage while creating new music.
Watch “Million Years Ago” video
