A Brazilian court has ordered Singer, Adele’s song, ‘Million Years Ago,’ taken down from streaming services over plagiarism claims.
Judge Victor Torres ordered Brazilian subdivisions of Sony and Universal to stop “immediately and globally, from using, reproducing, editing, distributing or commercialising the song ‘Million Years Ago’, by any modality, means, physical or digital support, streaming or sharing platform.”
The Grammy Award-winning British singer released the track in 2015 on her album, ‘25’.
Since then, the song has been embroiled in a plagiarism case levelled against her by Brazilian composer, Toninho Geraes.
Geraes claims the song plagiarised his 1995 samba song, ‘Mulheres (Women)’ – which Brazilian singer, Martinho da Vila, recorded on the album ‘Tá Delícia, Tá Gostoso’.
He is suing Adele for lost royalties and seeking moral damages to the tune of $160,000.
Geraes also wants a songwriting credit on Adele’s song.
Sony and Universal could also be hit with an $8,000 fine “per act of non-compliance,” though the outfits can appeal the decision.
Geraes Counsel, Fredimio Trotta, describes Judge Torres’ ruling as a “landmark” verdict for Brazilian music.
The lawyer argues that so many worldwide hits have been made off Brazilian music.
Streaming services will now be alerted of the injunction, Trotta says.
