The music world is watching a fascinating copyright dispute unfold in Brazil, involving international superstar Adele and Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. Geraes alleges that Adele's 2015 song "Million Years Ago" infringes on the copyright of his 1995 samba classic, "Mulheres" (Women), popularized by singer Martinho da Vila. A recent ruling by a Brazilian court has added a significant layer of complexity to the situation, ordering the global removal of Adele's track from streaming platforms.
The core of Geraes' claim lies in the alleged similarities between the melodies and harmonic progressions of the two songs, particularly in their opening sections. While musical similarities are often a point of discussion in the creative process, Geraes argues that the resemblance in this case constitutes plagiarism. Adele and her representatives have not yet issued a public statement directly addressing the allegations, which is common practice during ongoing legal proceedings.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro's sixth commercial court in mid-December, has broad implications. A Brazilian court ordering a global takedown of a globally recognized song underscores the reach of intellectual property law in the digital age. It also reignites the ongoing debate about the fine line between artistic inspiration and copyright infringement, a discussion that has existed for as long as creative works have been shared and interpreted.
The practicalities of enforcing such a ruling, particularly in the digital realm, present considerable challenges. Removing a song entirely from the internet, with its countless user uploads, cached versions, and international platforms, is a near-impossible task. Universal Music, the record label involved, is unlikely to fully comply and has already stated its intention to appeal the decision—a move that’s likely to be costly and drawn out.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time "Million Years Ago" has faced accusations of plagiarism.
Back when the song was first released in 2015, Turkish music fans and media outlets pointed out similarities between it and a 1985 song called "Acilara Tutunmak" (Clinging to Pain) by Kurdish musician Ahmet Kaya.
Adele herself has yet to respond to this situation personally. This silence is likely a calculated strategy from both a legal and PR perspective. Public comments could potentially influence the outcome of any legal defense and would almost certainly draw even more media attention to the case, potentially exacerbating the situation.
This case offers a lens through which to examine crisis communications and reputation management. The way Adele’s team and Universal Music navigate this situation will be crucial in mitigating potential damage to her brand. While legal proceedings play out, managing public perception is equally important. A well-defined communication strategy, focusing on transparency (when appropriate), controlled messaging, and proactive engagement with stakeholders, is essential in such cases. This is a delicate balancing act that requires expert guidance.
Whether the similarities between the two songs are deemed a coincidence, inspiration, or infringement, the case highlights the ongoing complexities of protecting creative works in the digital era. If your business is facing a similar challenge or needs guidance on crafting a robust PR strategy to navigate complex situations, The New Standard can help. We specialize in crafting communication strategies to help businesses protect their reputation and communicate effectively in times of crisis.
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