A Brazilian judge has ordered the removal worldwide of the song Million Years Ago by the British pop superstar Adele, including on streaming services, due to a continuous plagiarism complaint by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes.
The interim measure threatens the Brazilian branches of Sony and Universal, Adele's labels, with a $8,000 fine "for non-compliance."
However, the music companies can still appeal the decision, as reported by The Guardian.
The interim measure was issued by Judge Víctor Torres on Friday, at the sixth commercial court of Rio de Janeiro, pending further actions in the ongoing plagiarism case.
His preliminary order, obtained on Monday by Afp, instructs Sony and Universal to immediately and globally cease "the use, reproduction, editing, distribution, or commercialization of the song Million Years Ago, by any means, physical or digital support, streaming platform, or sharing platform."
"It is a milestone for Brazilian music, which has often been copied to compose international hits," explained Fredimio Trotta, the lawyer of the Brazilian composer who filed the plagiarism complaint.
Trotta stated that his firm will work this week to ensure that radio and television stations, as well as streaming services worldwide, are informed about the Brazilian ruling.
His client Geraes claims that Adele's 2015 song plagiarized the music of his samba classic Mulheres (Women), recorded by the Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila on a successful album in 1995.
Geraes is suing for lost royalties, moral damages, and additional songwriting credits on Adele's song.
Trotta mentioned that the interim measure should serve as a deterrent to foreign singers and labels seeking to copy Brazilian songs.