Eminem sues New Zealand political party over use of song 'Lose Yourself'

 
American rapper Eminem (Photo by PictureGroup/REX)
Rex
Rashid Razaq16 September 2014

Eminem is suing a political party in New Zealand over claims one of his songs was used illegally in an election campaign advert.

The American rapper’s music publishers are seeking damages from prime minister John Key’s National Party for allegedly breaching copyright by using the track Lose Yourself.

Joel Martin, a spokesman for publishers Eight Mile Style and Martin Affiliated, said the firms had filed a case in the New Zealand High Court, adding: “It is both disappointing and sadly ironic that the political party responsible for championing the rights of music publishers in New Zealand …should itself have so little regard for copyright.”

The National Party said it “completely rejects the allegation” and would fight the action. It said the music it used was originally published by Spider Cues Music in Los Angeles and sold to it by an Australian-based firm.

The disputed advert shows a boat filled with people rowing together to symbolise the party’s unity.

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