Eminem publisher sues Detroit Ford dealership for using ‘Lose Yourself’ in ads

nme.com:

Eminem‘s music publisher has sued a Detroit car dealership for unauthorised use of ‘Lose Yourself’ in advertisements.The track, which was written by Marshall Mathers, Jeffrey Bass and Louis Resto for the rapper’s semi-autobiographical 2002 film 8 Mile, has gone 13 times platinum since its release and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003.It’s previously been the centre of a copyright infringement lawsuit against the ruling National Party in New Zealand.

The party was found guilty in 2017 and ordered to pay New NZ$600,000 (£314,000), plus interest, to Eminem’s publishing company.Now, a Metro Detroit car dealership has been sued in federal court in Detroit over the alleged unauthorised use of the song.Lawyers for Eight Mile Style, LLC and Martin Affiliated, LLC have accused LaFontaine Ford St.

Clair, Inc. of using ‘Lose Yourself’ in online advertisements for special edition Detroit Lions F-150 pickup trucks, “in blatant disregard of the exclusive rights vested in Eight Mile.”According to the lawsuit, filed on Monday (January 27), the ads ran from September to October 2024 on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and potentially other sites.The video in question allegedly included the song alongside the caption: “You only get one shot to own a Special Edition Detroit Lions F-150.”“LaFontaine’s actions usurped plaintiffs’ exclusive rights to determine when and under what terms the composition may be used for commercial endorsements and advertising,” lawyer Howard Hertz wrote in the lawsuit, per The Detroit News.