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Music Publisher Sues Apple Over iTunes Downloads
Popular hip-hop artist Eminem’s music publisher has sued Apple for the unauthorized use on the iTunes music download service of almost 100 of the artist’s tracks. Also named as a defendant in the suit is Aftermath Records, the record company founded by Dr. Dre that controls the recordings in question. The claim against Aftermath alleges that it did not have the right to license the works to Apple for digital downloads.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing, claims that the agreement with Aftermath Records is valid, and points out that the plaintiffs have, in fact, received royalties on account of iTunes sales. However, the plaintiffs claim that the “acceptance of a single check containing mostly royalties for authorized uses, but also containing small and hidden royalties for unauthorized uses, cannot operate as a satisfaction of a claim.”
The matter was to go before a judge on October 8, 2009. However, the parties settled the matter out of court; and the terms of the settlement are confidential.
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