Complaints about this similarity had been known since 2020, but the case was formally taken to court in February 2024
The court ordered the removal of the artist’s song “Million Years Ago”. from all streaming platforms, both in Brazil and abroad. This decision was taken as a result of a lawsuit alleging plagiarism, pointing out obvious similarities between Adele’s song and “Mulheres”, composed by Toninho Geraes and popularized by Martinho da Vila. The complaint about this similarity had been known since 2020, but the case was formally taken to court in February 2024. Toninho Geraes’ lawyer, Fredimio Biasotto Trotta, classified the decision as a milestone for Brazilian music. Digital music platforms will be officially notified about the court order, and the fine for non-compliance with the decision will be R$50,000 per day. Furthermore, Adele and the song’s copyright holders have the possibility of appealing the decision.
Toninho Geraes is seeking compensation of R$1 million for moral damages, in addition to financial compensation that must be calculated based on the royalties that the singer and the music producer received. The Court’s determination must be applied at a global level, since Brazil is a signatory to international conventions that guarantee the protection of copyrights. This situation raises important questions about originality in music and the rights of composers, especially in a scenario where the music industry is increasingly globalized. The decision could have significant repercussions for artists and producers, highlighting the need to respect intellectual property.
Published by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the help of AI
