Do you believe the melodic similarities between Olivia Dean's 'I've Seen It' and Bill Withers' 'Just The Two of Us' are evidence of intentional plagiarism or mere coincidence?
Olivia Dean Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Copying of Bill Withers' Classic
British pop star Olivia Dean is at the center of a legal dispute involving her song 'I've Seen It' from her 2025 album, The Art of Loving. Mattie Music Group, which manages the catalogue of the late Bill Withers, has filed a lawsuit in California alleging that Dean's track contains substantial similarities to the 1981 soul classic 'Just The Two of Us.' The complaint specifically targets Dean's record label, Capitol Records, and parent company Universal Music Group, rather than the singer herself. A musicologist hired by the plaintiffs concluded there is 'repeated copying' of the melody. The publishers argue that because 'Just The Two of Us' has achieved immense commercial success and radio play, the songwriters had a 'reasonable opportunity' to have heard it. While the lawsuit seeks damages from the publishers and labels, the defendants have yet to officially respond to the allegations of infringement. This case highlights the ongoing tension in the music industry regarding copyright, melody similarities, and the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism.
Options
- It is clear plagiarism; the melody is too similar.
- It is a coincidental similarity common in songwriting.
- It is an intentional, respectful homage to the classic.
- The focus should be on label liability, not the artist.