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A court in Brazil has issued a global injunction to halt the distribution and streaming of Adele‘s hit song “Million Years Ago” following allegations of plagiarism by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes.
The ruling, handed down by Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro’s 6th Commercial Court, requires the Brazilian branches of Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music to cease all forms of use, reproduction, editing, distribution, or commercialization of the song.
The injunction applies to both physical and digital platforms, including streaming services and sharing platforms worldwide.
Failure to comply with the order will result in a fine of $8,000 for each violation. However, Sony Music and Universal Music have the right to appeal the decision.
“It is a landmark for Brazilian music, which has often been copied to compose successful international hits,” Fredimio Trotta, the lawyer for Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes who brought the plagiarism complaint, told AFP.
Trotta confirmed that his legal team would notify radio stations, television broadcasters, and streaming platforms globally about the court’s decision.
The plagiarism claim centers on similarities between Adele’s 2015 track and Geraes’ samba classic “Mulheres” (translated as “Women”), which was famously performed by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila in 1995.
Geraes is seeking compensation for lost royalties, moral damages of $160,000, and songwriting credit on Adele’s track.
Trotta emphasized that the ruling could serve as a warning to international artists and producers who might consider using elements of Brazilian music without proper authorization.
“International producers and artists who… have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision,” the lawyer said.
Brazil is a signatory to the 1886 Berne Convention, which ensures international copyright protection for creative works.
