Sega has been sued by Crush 40 band member Johnny Gioeli over the Live and Learn theme song from Sega Adventure 2. The lawsuit filed on December 5, 2024, claims that Sega is in breach of contract of the theme song that the band created, due to which Gioeli is seeking compensation as well as a court order to determine who actually owns the rights to the song.
Sonic Adventure 2 is more tedious than classic.
While the song was originally created for the 2001 title, Gioeli says that he was made aware of its use in other games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. 4, and Yakuza 4 and 5 (thanks, Game Developer). It even featured in Capcom's Monster Hunter Rise.
The court documents go on to say that Live and Learn could be owned by both parties, but if that is the case, then Sega's share should only be limited to the lyrics of the theme song.
"Without a direct claim for authorship of the master, no control or direct involvement in the process of creating the final master recording, and no clear written transfer of the master, [Sega] has no basis to claim sole ownership...
