In this song, The Verve borrowed a looped sample of a symphonic recording of the Rolling Stones song "The Last Time".  The band had obtained composition rights to the sample from ABKCO Records owner Allen Klein, which controlled the Rolling Stones' back catalog, and further permission to use the recording of the sample from Decca, the publisher of the original album.  The band covered their bases, right?  WRONG!


Just before the album "Urban Hymns" came out, Klein obtained a copy of the song and decided that the band had used too much of the sample and threatened a lawsuit. At that late time there was no way the sample could be removed, so the band and Klein came to a verbal agreement, "We were told it was going to be a 50/50 split" says band member Simon Jones.  [BIG mistake, an oral agreement.  No "gentleman's agreement" when it comes to money.]


Later, when it was apparent that the song was a huge, worldwide hit Klein demanded 100% of the royalties or the band would be forced to remove the album from the record shops. The band settled out of court with Klein resulting in ABKCO Records obtaining 100% of the recording's royalties.  Rolling Stones members Keith Richards and Mick Jagger were also given songwriting credits. 


With full publishing rights to the song, ABKCO Records could legally sell licenses to advertisers and did several times. The song appeared in a Nike commercial against The Verve's will and then in advertisements for an automobile manufacturer.


After the song was used in the movie Cruel Intentions, The Verve filed a moral rights copyright suit to ensure the song was not distributed commercially anymore. The Verve is said to have not made a penny from the song.


And now you know the rest of the story.