The Mattie Music Group has filed a federal lawsuit against the labels behind British singer Olivia Dean. the legal action claims her 2025 track "I've Seen It" improperly replicates the melodic structure of Bill Withers' iconic hit "Just the Two of Us."
Alexander Stewart’s Findings on 'I've Seen It'
Musicologist Alexander Stewart has provided a preliminary analysis to support the claims made by the Mattie Music Group. According to the legal documents cited in the report, Stewart identified substantial similarities in the protectable musical expressions betwween the two tracks. The lawsuit specifically argues that the number, character, and arrangement of the shared musical features are too striking to be considered an accidental coincidence.
The plaintiffs contend that the melody used in "I've Seen It" is a derivative work rather than an independent creation. By employing a professional musicologist, the Mattie Music Group aims to demonstrate that the melodic essence of the Bill Withers classic was directly incorporated into the new production.
Capitol, Universal, Sony, and Kobalt in the Crosshairs
The legal action names four major industry entities as defendants: Capitol Records, Universal Music Group, Sony Publishing, and Kobalt Music Publishing. As reported by the source, the Mattie Music Group is seeking financial damages and a share of the profits generated by the song, alongside a permanent injunction to prevent fuurther commercial exploitation of the track.
The lawsuit also includes a significant allegation regarding the timing of the diispute.. The report says that the labels were reportedly notified of the alleged infringement as early as August 17, 2026, yet they allegedly continued to market and profit from the song. This continued commercialization has reportedly added further tension to the legal proceedings.
The 2025 release 'I've Seen It' vs. Bill Withers
The dispute centers on the comparison between Olivia Dean's 2025 release and the timeless Grammy-winning classic "Just the Two of Us." The plaintiffs argue that because Bill Withers' work is a global staple of R&B and soul, Dean and her co-writers, Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, had ample opportunity to encounter and replicate the original melody.
Protecting the legacy of Bill Withers is a central theme of the litigation. The songwriter's catalog,which includes hits like "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me," is considered a vital piece of American musical history. The Mattie Music Group is positioning this case as a necessary defense of the intellectual property held within the Withers estate.
The missing response from Olivia Dean's camp
While the lawsuit presents a detaild case for infringement, several critical pieces of information remain unverified. The current reporting does not include a statement or defense from Olivia Dean, Bastian Langebæk, or Max Wolfgang regarding the allegations. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the courts will interpret the "obvious" similarities identified by the plaintiffs' musicologist.
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