The reaction of Adele’s record company after the court ruling for plagiarism

The trial is still ongoing, but the court ordered streaming companies to remove “Million Years Ago” due to similarities with “Mulheres”, composed by Toninho Geraes

As reported, this was established by the Rio de Janeiro court “Millions of Years Ago”music provided by Adele on the album 25 (2015), is removed from digital platforms. The reason lies in a plagiarism lawsuit brought by the Brazilian Toninho Geraesauthor of the song “Women” (released in 1995 with the voice of Martinho da Vila).

The process is still ongoing – meaning there is no confirmed plagiarism – and the song remains available for streaming, as companies must be notified and there is no deadline for this to happen. However, the judge Victor Agustin Cunhaof the Court of Justice of the State of Rio de Janeiro, indicated it “Millions of Years Ago” would have strong evidence “of almost complete melodic consonance” with “Women”.

The website Power360 points out that, in addition to Adele, the producer and co-author were called Greg Kurstinrecord companies Universal Music Publishing MGB Brasil Ltda AND Sony Music Entertainment Brasil Ltda and the seal Group of beggars. If they breed or sell “Millions of Years Ago” Without Geraes’ permission, they will have to pay a fine of R$50,000 – and the Brazilian has already said he will not grant permission.

The parties involved have not spoken publicly. However, according to the newspaper The globeTHE Universal music has already filed an appeal requesting the annulment of the injunction which vetoed the execution of the art “Millions of Years Ago”. The movement was registered on Monday (16), the date on which the decision of the Rio Court was announced.

The company claims that the range “does not violate copyright”second “attested by two independent opinions”and that “the similarities between the two works are essentially due to the fact that several songs use a musical cliché known as Chord Progression by Circle of Fifths [nota: sequência de notas distanciadas por intervalos de quinta justa]”. An excerpt from the defense, presented by journalist Ancelmo Gois, states:

“The granting of the injunction is disproportionate and causes reverse damage to the defendants, since the immediate suspension of the “Millions of Years Ago” will cause significant economic losses and compromise the artistic freedom of those involved, especially considering the popularity and cultural impact of their productions.”

Toninho Geraes talks about decision

In a newspaper interview The globeToninho Geraes expressed surprise when commenting on the case. The composer recalled that the defendants will have to pay a fine of R $ 50,000 if they reproduce or sell “Millions of Years Ago” without the Brazilian’s authorization. For the artist this is a “cup of coffee” for the parties involved.

Geraes also emphasizes that he would not give such authorization, as “they were never satisfied” for him and his lawyer. The composer claims to have tried to resolve the case out of court, without success.

“They never waved a flag of goodwill, like, ‘let’s see what you’re learning, what makes you happy, or what fixes you in something.’ They never cared about me, the trial, or my charges, so why should interested in me?” about them?”

The accusation was made public in September 2021.

The fundamental video according to the lawyer

In a newspaper interview The State of S. Paololawyer of Toninho Geraes, Fredímio Biasotto Trottastressed that the decision is global, not just national, and “unprecedented in the history of Brazilian music as was said at the beginning of the trial and in a case of international plagiarism”. It’s worth remembering Jorge Ben Jor has already won one such action against Rod Stewarthowever, decades ago – that is, when streaming platforms did not yet exist – and without such an immediate deliberation.

Again according to Trotta, a video published on his YouTube channel would have demonstrated this “the greatest evidence of plagiarism brought forward in the trial so far”. It is a record in which a group of musicians participate, including the singer Ju Viannainterpret simultaneously “Millions of Years Ago” AND “Women”aiming to overlap the compositions. According to the lawyer, the idea of ​​the version – which adapts tone and rhythm – is “eliminate some compositional or interpretative disguises of those responsible for plagiarism”.

The video – which, as underlined by the lawyer, is cited in the court decision – can be seen in the player below. If the video does not open, to access directly on YouTube.

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Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.