Sonic's 'Live and Learn' Writer Takes Sega to Court

The writer of the iconic song "Live and Learn" from Sonic Adventure 2, John Gioeli, is suing Sega. Gioeli claims that he co-owns the rights to the song and alleges that Sega has exploited it for profit without his permission for over 20 years. The lawsuit centers on a 2001 agreement where Gioeli was compensated to write lyrics for a song that would appear in Sonic Adventure 2. Gioeli contends that he expanded the song significantly during its creation, but the initial agreement did not clarify ownership of both the lyrics and composition. He seeks a court ruling on ownership, restitution for profits made from the song, and damages for breach of contract.

The lawsuit revolves around John Gioeli's claim that he co-owns the rights to the song "Live and Learn" which Sega has used in multiple formats without permission. He is seeking legal acknowledgment of his ownership and compensation for profits made from his song.

Sonic Adventure 2, released in 2001, features the beloved tune "Live and Learn" performed by Gioeli, who is known for his work with Crush 40. The game is part of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and has garnered critical acclaim for its gameplay and music. Its enduring popularity has led to the song being included in numerous games and media over the years, highlighting the importance of Gioeli's contributions to the Sonic series.