The song Mulheres (Women), was recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila in 1995.
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Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes claims Adele‘s “Million Years Ago” hit plagiarises his work.
A judge in Rio de Janeiro has ordered the song to be pulled worldwide including on streaming services.
The plagiarism claim which was brought in 2021 is ongoing, but the injunction calls for the song to be pulled while it continues.
A preliminary injunction orders Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music to stop “immediately and globally, from using, reproducing, editing, distributing or commercialising the song by any modality, means, physical or digital support, streaming or sharing platform”.
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The injunction threatens the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, Adele‘s labels, with a fine of $8,000 (£6,300) “per act of non-compliance.”
Lawyer for Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, Fredimio Trotta said: “It is a landmark for Brazilian music, which… has often been copied to compose successful international hits.”
“International producers and artists who have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision.”
Geraes is suing for lost royalties, $160,000 in moral damages, plus songwriting credit on Adele’s track.