Eminem publisher files suit against Apple

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Eminem publisher files suit against Apple

Eight Mile Style LLC and Martin Affiliated LLC, music publisher and copyright manager for rap artist Eminem, have filed a lawsuit against Apple in U.S. District Court in Detroit, claiming the company violated copyrights by allowing unauthorized sales of the artist’s works. The lawsuit is a possible sign of things to come as artists fight for a larger share of revenues from digital download sales, reports the Detroit News. “There are a number of unresolved issues,” said Owen Sloane, of Berger Kahn, who has negotiated recording deals for artists such as Elton John, Kenny Rogers and Bonnie Raitt. “You’re going to see more of these suits.” The suit alleges that although Apple pays a portion of the revenues from Eminem downloads to recording label Universal Music Group, Eight Mile Style and Martin Affiliated have never authorized Universal to allow the downloads. Apple has yet to comment on the suit.

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Comments

1

Time to go back to stealing music. This is a stupid “shake down” suit.

Posted by Don Trammell on July 31, 2007 at 7:28 AM (PST)

2

And so Apple is responsible how? That’s like a butcher shop suing a Big Mac eater because McDonalds didn’t pay them enough for the meat in the patty. Ridiculous.

Posted by Warren Piece on July 31, 2007 at 7:39 AM (PST)

3

So why aren’t they suing Universal instead for selling their music when they don’t have authorization? Don’s right, this is just a shake down suit and probably times nicely with the fact that Em hasn’t sold a record in years.

Posted by Jeffery Simpson on July 31, 2007 at 7:59 AM (PST)

4

Man this is stupid… I agree as well with the other comments, how can they sue Apple for something another company did, they need to sue Universal not Apple. Poor little Em should get off his ### and make some new records instead of shaking down Apple… another good reason not to listen to his cr*p.

Posted by Justin Lame on July 31, 2007 at 8:22 AM (PST)

5

so no more slim shady iPod commercials?

i like the butcher comparison that nails it.

so why did he sign with a record label again, oh yeah that’s right to get his music out to the public, what an imbecile.

Posted by hydra-calm on July 31, 2007 at 8:29 AM (PST)

6

Everyone here is right - this is really a contract dispute with Uni (obviously they believe their contract with Eminem allows them to distribute his “music” this way). They’re suing Apple because, unlike the record companies, Apple is flush with cash and the lawyers figure they’ll get an easy 20% of a quick “make-this-go-away” settlement.

Hopefully Apple will move to have the suit dismissed.

Posted by Fangorn in Texas on July 31, 2007 at 9:19 AM (PST)

7

Well take his albums off Itunes and see how many kiddies buy his stuff in the stores! Last year the best selling rap ablum only sold 1 million copies! Thats now paying his payments on his Bentley.

Posted by Shane on July 31, 2007 at 6:08 PM (PST)

8

And Apple’s responsible for Universal..How?

Posted by Pyro3d on August 3, 2007 at 7:57 AM (PST)

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