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Apple sued by Eminem publishers over iTunes

updated 09:30 am EDT, Tue July 31, 2007

Apple sued by Eminem label

Apple is the target of a lawsuit connected to the music of pop rapper Eminem, according to new reports. Filed in the US District Court in Detroit, Eminem's home city, the complaint by Eight Mile Style and Martin Affiliated -- Eminem's publisher and copyright manager, respectively -- alleges that Apple broke copyright by selling Eminem downloads neither company authorized. Apple is instead said to be dealing exclusively with the record label Universal, which is also accused of making unauthorized deals, though it is unknown whether the latter will also be sued in the future.

California entertainment lawyer Owen Sloane notes that the Apple suit is emblematic of a major issue in the music industry, since while many labels have the rights to sell CDs of an artist's work, this may not automatically extend to downloads. "You're going to see more of these suits," says Sloane.

At stake is the publisher's share of each track sold. Apple normally charges 99 cents per song, but approximately 70 cents of this goes to the label, which in turn pays an average of 9 cents to the publisher. The label must then pay the artist, who either receives an equal share under a license agreement, or a much smaller amount under sales royalties.

 
Previous Comments

Not to be mean, but...

07/31, 10:29am reply

Eminem is a no talent a**-clown! Okay, so it was to be mean!

sosumi1981

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Joined: May 2007

0

Sue Universal, Morons

07/31, 10:42am reply

As far as Apple is concerned they made a completely legal agreement with Universal, Eminem's label needs to take it up with them, not Apple, Heck, Apple doesn't care if they sell Eminem's music or not.

Roehlstation

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Joined: Aug 2001

0

Today's PSA

07/31, 10:42am reply

Did you know that the term "RAP" is actually an acronym for "Retards Attempting Poetry"? It's true. Remember, "you can't have c*** without RAP".

In all seriousness, I really think Eminem should be stabbed in the face with a rusty kitchen knife (as with all "white boys who wish they weren't").

fashizzle

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Joined: Aug 2003

0

Silly lawyer

07/31, 10:47am reply

Quote "California entertainment lawyer Owen Sloane notes that the Apple suit is emblematic of a major issue in the music industry, since while many labels have the rights to sell CDs of an artist's work, this may not automatically extend to downloads. "You're going to see more of these suits," says Sloane.

He'd better release on Vinyl only then, CD is digital music, I seriously doubt there is anything in the contract as to how distribution is handled. If he is worried about pirating, it is better to sell on iTunes, since the file is protected better by DRM. I would expect this from an older artist that isn't with technology, but seriously get with it MAN!

Roehlstation

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Joined: Aug 2001

0

Re: today's psa

07/31, 10:59am reply

---Remember, "you can't have c*** without RAP". ---

I guess you missed the whole hair band thing.

garmonbosia

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Joined: Aug 2002

0

Music...

07/31, 11:02am reply

Eminem a musician? That's certainly stretching the definition...

JacquesDav

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Joined: Jun 2002

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That photo...

07/31, 11:08am reply

That photo looks more like a kid when he doesn't want to go to bed than a gangster type :)

Deal

Mac Enthusiast

Joined: Apr 2001

0

Eminem is Draco Malfoy

07/31, 11:09am reply

think about it, you never see them in the same room together

Roehlstation

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

Eminem shmeminen

07/31, 11:27am reply

Well answer this question for me:

If one listens to country and western music frequently, does one think he/she is a "cowboy"? Of course not, that would be ludicrous.

But why do people who listen to gangster rap think that they are a "gangster"?

See what I did there....

fashizzle

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Joined: Aug 2003

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Re: sue universal

07/31, 11:58am reply

As far as Apple is concerned they made a completely legal agreement with Universal, Eminem's label needs to take it up with them, not Apple, Heck, Apple doesn't care if they sell Eminem's music or not.

Just because apple has an agreement doesn't mean they are safe from a lawsuit. They have to show they had no foreknowledge of their violation. If they had been informed, and did nothing, they are liable.

This is to avoid those who might try to use such a loophole to, say, start up a small corporation, sell rights to songs they don't own to places like apple, rake in dough and funnel it out of the country, then file for bankruptcy when they get sued.

testudo

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Joined: Aug 2001

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