June 3, 2011 11:02

Eminem files lawsuit against Audi for using his music without permission

Rapper takes issue with German car manufacturer for using ‘Lose Yourself’ in a commercial

Photo Gallery: Eminem
Photo: Pa Photos

Eminem is suing the German car company Audi for allegedly using one of his tracks in a new commercial without his permission.

The rapper’s publishing company, Eight Mile Style, is seeking a cease-and-desist order against Audi because their advert for the 2012 Audi A6 Avant features music that sounds similar to his 2002 single ‘Lose Yourself’. Scroll down to the bottom to watch the commercial and hear for yourself.

A spokesperson for Eight Mile Style also claimed that the commercial was “inspired by elements” from an advertising campaign by fellow car manufacturer’s Chrysler called ‘Made In Detroit’, which featured Eminem and first aired during this year’s Super Bowl.

Eminem gave his permission for Chrysler to use ‘Lose Yourself’ in their commercial, and has been credited with helping the company post its first profitable quarter since it filed for bankruptcy two years ago.

A spokesperson for Eight Mile Style, Joel Martin, said: “We believe Audi not only used 'Lose Yourself' to sell their product without permission, but their spot actually feels inspired by elements of Chrysler’s commercial campaign.”

Eminem will release a new EP with Royce Da 5’9 on June 13 under the name Bad Meets Evil. Yesterday (June 2), he said that rap collective Odd Future reminded him of his own days as a younger artist and that they were “pushing boundaries and buttons”.

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