Download lawsuit settled over Eminem music

Apple and the music publisher for Eminem have settled a lawsuit over the digital downloading rights to many of the Detroit rapper’s songs, lawyers said today.

Eight Mile Style LLC claimed that its contract with Aftermath Records did not authorise the record label to strike a download deal with Apple and the iTunes service.

Eight Mile and another plaintiff, Martin Affiliated LLC, were seeking millions of dollars, alleging copyright violations on 93 songs, including Eminem’s biggest hit 'Lose Yourself'.

“The case was settled to the satisfaction of all parties,” Eight Mile attorney Richard Busch said.

He said terms of the deal are confidential.

The agreement was reached last night after five days of trial in the federal court in the hip-hop star’s home town.

Eminem was not a witness and did not testify. Eight Mile is owned by brothers Mark and Jeff Bass, songwriters and producers who are credited with launching the rapper’s career.

Eight Mile claimed Apple wrongfully gained at least $2.5m through iTunes downloads, including $466,915 from Lose Yourself, which was co-written by Jeff Bass.

Aftermath collected at least $4m from Eminem’s songs on iTunes, according to the lawsuit.

At trial, it was claimed Eminem’s publisher receives royalties off iTunes downloads but simply wanted more money.

Eight Mile manager Joel Martin testified that the music publisher wants a separate contract with Apple so it can keep a closer eye on how its songs are sold.