Eminem's Music Publisher Sues Apple Over Downloads

July 31, 2007: 11:10 AM EST

DETROIT (AP)--Eminem's music publisher has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Apple Inc. (AAPL), accusing the company of violating copyrights by allowing unauthorized downloads of the rapper's songs.

In the complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court, Eight Mile Style and Eminem's copyright manager, Martin Affiliated, say Apple allowed unauthorized downloads of the Detroit performer's songs onto iPods.

"Eight Mile and Martin have demanded that Apple cease and desist its reproduction and distribution and Apple has refused," the complaint alleges.

An Apple spokesman had no immediate comment, The Detroit News reported. Lawyers for Eight Mile and Martin could not be reached for comment, the newspaper said.

The lawsuit is the latest move by Eminem's music publisher to protect the rights to his music.

Eight Mile Style and Martin also sued Apple in 2004 over its use of the Eminem song "Lose Yourself" in a TV commercial for Apple's iTunes music store. That case was settled out of court.