Eminem has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, alleging that the internet giant illegally distributed more than 200 of his songs.
Eminem’s music publishing company, Eight Mile Style, filed the complaint on May 30 and is requesting up to $109 million in damages.
According to Eight Mile Style, Meta made tracks of Eminem accessible through its Music Libraries, enabling users to take advantage of features like Reels Remix and Original Audio. The rapper’s songs consequently appeared in millions of videos and received billions of streams on various platforms.
In the case, Meta is accused of “unauthorized storage, reproduction, and exploitation” of 243 of Eminem’s songs, allegedly violating their copyrights. Furthermore, in accordance with Eight Mile Style, the songs’ “diminished value” as well as the financial losses of the company are the consequences of this violation.
According to the lawsuit, each platform may receive up to $150,000 in statutory damages for each song, for a potential total of $109.35 million in damages. Eight Mile Style is asking for a jury trial in addition to monetary damages.
The Independent reported that it was informed by a Meta representative that although the company had been in good faith negotiations with Eight Mile Style, the company was confronted with a lawsuit rather than further talks.
