Sega Wins Legal Battle Over Sonic Adventure 2’s 'Live & Learn' Song Rights

Sega Secures Victory in 'Live & Learn' Copyright Dispute with Johnny Gioeli The ongoing legal battle between Sega and musician Johnny Gioeli over the ownership rights to Sonic Adventure 2’s iconic theme song, 'Live & Learn,' has reached its conclusion.

On August 2025, the courts ruled decisively in favor of Sega, affirming the company’s claim over both the sound recording and musical composition of the beloved track featured throughout the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Background on the Dispute 'Live & Learn,' performed by Crush 40 with vocals by Johnny Gioeli and guitar work from Jun Senoue, first debuted in Sonic Adventure 2 for the Sega Dreamcast in 2001.

Over the years, the song has become synonymous with the Sonic series, appearing in various games such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, Sonic Frontiers, Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, Super Smash Bros.

for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros.

Brawl on platforms including the Nintendo Switch.

Despite its legacy, questions arose about who truly owns the song’s rights. Legal Proceedings and Court Ruling The legal conflict began when Gioeli alleged that Sega had breached their contract by using 'Live & Learn' in at least 25 games without proper authorization.

According to the court filings referenced in Polygon, Gioeli argued that although Sega paid him $3,000 in 2001 for the lyrics, the company did not acquire master recording rights and had also improperly claimed sole ownership over the composition and sound recording for subsequent releases. Gioeli maintained that he retained the songwriting registration, asserting further that Jun Senoue had sent instrumental demos for Gioeli to develop and arrange, after which no explicit agreement to transfer master rights was signed.

The musician stated he only became aware of the scope of Sega’s usage when a fan contacted him, and through legal counsel, sought damages for alleged unpaid royalties and unjust enrichment, estimated at $500,000 each for damages and royalties. Despite an initial court decision denying Gioeli’s full claim to the recording rights, the possibility remained open for negotiation over musical composition rights.

However, Sega took decisive action in July 2025, successfully moving to have Gioeli’s two copyright registrations—filed in 2024—canceled.

The court’s final decision in August 2025 favored Sega, effectively dismissing the remaining claims and confirming Sega’s status as the rightful owner of both the composition and master recording for 'Live & Learn.' Aftermath and Industry Impacts The ruling marks the end of a contentious legal process that may have strained relations between Sega and Johnny Gioeli.

Earlier, Gioeli expressed his wish for the continuation of the creative partnership with Sega, emphasizing in a statement to Polygon his hopes for a peaceful and fair resolution, and urging fans not to let the dispute tarnish their memories of the music. Importantly, this case did not pertain to the use of 'Live & Learn' in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film, as Gioeli confirmed having reached a separate agreement with Paramount, according to a statement made to Aftermath. Sega’s legal victory reinforces its control over one of the most recognizable songs in video game history, maintaining the song’s prominent place across the Nintendo Switch, eShop, and future game releases.

The outcome also sets a notable precedent for rights management and contractual clarity within the gaming music industry.

Sega Sonic Adventure Sonic Johnny Gioeli Sonic Adventure 2 Adventure Crush 40 Jun Senoue Live & Learn Nintendo Switch Sonic X Shadow Generations Sonic Frontiers Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Super Smash Bros. Brawl Polygon Paramount Aftermath