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Mattie Music Group Sues Universal Over Olivia Dean Song

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 3:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Music Groups Sue UMG

Mattie Music Group and Bleunig Music sued Universal Music Group in California over Olivia Dean’s “I’ve Seen It.”
They allege copies Bill Withers’ 1981 hit “Just the Two of Us” melody.
A hired musicologist reported substantial similarities, noting repeated original melody.
Publishers warned Dean’s label in August, yet the track remained on streaming services.
Dean, Langebæk, and Wolfgang are not defendants, and the complaint seeks no monetary damages from Dean.

Summary

Olivia Dean Wins

Olivia Dean won Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Dean’s album The Art of Loving peaked at No. 3 on Billboard 200 in January 2026.
The album stayed on Billboard 200 for 52 weeks, now at No. 11.
A TikTok viral of “Just the Two of Us” boosted its streams.
Dean’s breakout singles “Man I Need” and “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” drove the album’s commercial success.

History

Historical Context

The 1991 Grand Upright Music Ltd. v. Warner Bros. case, where Judge Kevin Duffy ordered Biz Markie to pay $250,000 for sampling Gilbert O’Sullivan’s 1972 hit, established that unlicensed sampling is theft. That precedent drives today’s Mattie Music Group and Bleunig Music suit against Universal over Olivia Dean’s alleged borrowing, forcing tighter clearance checks as streaming expands infringement risk.

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Music Groups Sue UMG

Mattie Music Group and Bleunig Music sued Universal Music Group in California over Olivia Dean’s “I’ve Seen It.”
They allege copies Bill Withers’ 1981 hit “Just the Two of Us” melody.
A hired musicologist reported substantial similarities, noting repeated original melody.
Publishers warned Dean’s label in August, yet the track remained on streaming services.
Dean, Langebæk, and Wolfgang are not defendants, and the complaint seeks no monetary damages from Dean.

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