Olivia Dean is facing a copyright lawsuit over claims that her song “I’ve Seen It” copies elements of Bill Withers’ classic “Just the Two of Us”. The action has been brought against the record labels and publishers involved in the track, rather than Dean herself.
Mattie Music Group, which says it owns rights to “Just the Two of Us”, has named Capitol Records, Universal Music Group, Sony Publishing and Kobalt Music Publishing as defendants.
The publisher alleges that “I’ve Seen It” reproduces significant parts of the earlier song, particularly its distinctive melody. It says a musicologist assessed the two tracks and found substantial similarities.
In its claim, Mattie Music Group also points to the success of “Just the Two of Us”, which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy. It argues that Dean and her co-writers had ample opportunity to hear the song.
The publisher says it warned the companies about the alleged infringement in August, but claims they continued to distribute and license “I’ve Seen It”.
Mattie Music Group is seeking damages, profits connected to the song and an order preventing any further alleged infringement.
Dean has not been named as a defendant. Her representatives have been approached for comment but have not responded.
