Olivia Dean is facing a new music copyright dispute involving one of Bill Withers’ best-known songs. A publisher connected to the late singer’s catalog claims Dean’s “I’ve Seen It” copies protected elements from “Just the Two of Us.” However, Dean is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Instead, the publisher has targeted several record labels and music companies connected to the track.
Olivia Dean’s “I’ve Seen It” is accused of copying the melody of Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us”
Mattie Music Group filed the copyright infringement lawsuit in California federal court on October 1. According to Page Six, the company claims “I’ve Seen It” copies the distinctive melody of Bill Withers’ 1981 hit.
The complaint names Capitol Records, Universal Music Group, Sony Publishing and Kobalt Music Publishing America. Notably, Olivia Dean and co-writers Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang are not listed as defendants.
Mattie Music Group also hired musicologist Alexander Stewart to compare the two songs. According to the complaint, Stewart identified “substantial similarities” in what the publisher considers protected musical expression. Specifically, the lawsuit points to alleged repeated similarities between the melodies.
Mattie Music Group claims it alerted the defendants to the alleged infringement in August. The publisher says the companies continued distributing, licensing and commercially exploiting “I’ve Seen It” afterward. It is seeking damages, profits connected to the track and an injunction against further alleged infringement.
“I’ve Seen It” appears on Dean’s 2025 album The Art of Loving. Meanwhile, Grover Washington Jr. recorded “Just the Two of Us” with Bill Withers. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later won a Grammy for Best R&B Song.
The dispute arrives during a major career run for Dean. Earlier this year, she won four trophies at the BRIT Awards, including Album of the Year.
Mattie Music Group’s claims remain allegations, and no court has ruled that “I’ve Seen It” infringes on “Just the Two of Us.” Dean is also not personally named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
