Bleunig Music says it sent written notice to each defendant around August 17, 2026, and argues continued commercial use after that notice was willful. It seeks actual damages and profits, or alternatively statutory damages of up to $150,000 per work if willfulness is found, plus an injunction and other relief. “Just the Two of Us,” co-written by Withers with Ralph MacDonald and William Salter, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy for Best R&B Song. Dean won Best New Artist at the February 2026 Grammys. MBW said Capitol parent UMG, Sony, and Kobalt had not commented at publication.
Image: Olivia Dean — Aliyah Otchere / UMG / Music Business Worldwide — https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bill-withers-publisher-sues-umg-sony-and-kobalt-claiming-olivia-deans-ive-seen-it-copies-just-the-two-of-us/