Eminem’s music publisher settles lawsuit with Apple over digital rights to rapper’s songs

Eminem’s music publisher, Apple settle dispute

DETROIT — Apple Inc. and the music publisher for Eminem have settled a lawsuit over the digital downloading rights to many of the Detroit rapper’s songs, a lawyer said Friday.

Eight Mile Style LLC claimed that its contract with Aftermath Records did not authorize the record label to strike a download deal with Apple and the popular 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 Thursday night after five days of trial in federal court here in the hip-hop star’s hometown. A message seeking comment was left with Glenn Pomerantz, an attorney for Apple and Aftermath.

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 $2.5 million through iTunes downloads, including $466,915 from “Lose Yourself,” which was co-written by Jeff Bass.

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

At trial, Pomerantz said 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.