Eminem sues Meta over unauthorized use of music in reels
LOS ANGELES, June 4: Rap icon Eminem has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, accusing the tech giant of unauthorized use and distribution of his music through its social media tools, including Reels Remix and Original Audio.
The complaint was filed on May 30 in Michigan federal court by Eminem's production company, Eight Mile Style. The lawsuit alleges that Meta engaged in 'rampant' and 'knowing infringement' by making Eminem's songs available in its 'Music Libraries' for use in user-generated content — often without obtaining the necessary licenses. These songs, including major hits like 'Lose Yourself,' were allegedly used in millions of videos and streamed billions of times without proper authorization.
Eight Mile Style contends that Meta attempted to secure licensing through Audiam, Inc., a digital royalty collection company, but asserts that Audiam was never granted such authority on its behalf. The lawsuit claims Meta 'willfully' encouraged its billions of users to use Eminem's music without a license and is not eligible for Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) safe harbor protections due to its alleged knowledge and facilitation of the infringement.
While some songs were reportedly removed from Meta platforms following complaints — including 'Lose Yourself' — Eight Mile Style maintains that unauthorized covers and instrumental versions of the rapper's music remain accessible.
The company is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per song, per platform — potentially amounting to over $1 million — along with actual damages, lost profits, and a permanent injunction against the continued unlicensed use of Eminem's music. Eight Mile Style has also requested a jury trial.
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Eminem sues Meta over unauthorized use of music in reels
LOS ANGELES, June 4: Rap icon Eminem has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, accusing the tech giant of unauthorized use and distribution of his music through its social media tools, including Reels Remix and Original Audio. The complaint was filed on May 30 in Michigan federal court by Eminem's production company, Eight Mile Style. The lawsuit alleges that Meta engaged in 'rampant' and 'knowing infringement' by making Eminem's songs available in its 'Music Libraries' for use in user-generated content — often without obtaining the necessary licenses. These songs, including major hits like 'Lose Yourself,' were allegedly used in millions of videos and streamed billions of times without proper authorization. Eight Mile Style contends that Meta attempted to secure licensing through Audiam, Inc., a digital royalty collection company, but asserts that Audiam was never granted such authority on its behalf. The lawsuit claims Meta 'willfully' encouraged its billions of users to use Eminem's music without a license and is not eligible for Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) safe harbor protections due to its alleged knowledge and facilitation of the infringement. While some songs were reportedly removed from Meta platforms following complaints — including 'Lose Yourself' — Eight Mile Style maintains that unauthorized covers and instrumental versions of the rapper's music remain accessible. The company is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per song, per platform — potentially amounting to over $1 million — along with actual damages, lost profits, and a permanent injunction against the continued unlicensed use of Eminem's music. Eight Mile Style has also requested a jury trial.
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