New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Eight Mile Style) In proceedings filed with the Hamburg Regional Court in Germany, Eight Mile Style LLC, the Detroit-based publisher of Eminem's copyrights, is seeking an injunction (cease and desist order) against German automaker Audi AG. The petition stems from allegations that unauthorized use has been made of Eminem's Grammy and Academy Award-winning song, "Lose Yourself," in a commercial spot introducing next year's model of an Audi car. "It is absolutely shocking," said Joel Martin, speaking on behalf of the publisher, "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." Chrysler recently featured Eminem and "Lose Yourself" in its hugely successful "Imported From Detroit" advertising campaign, initially broadcast during Superbowl (XLV), to debut the new Chrysler 200 automobile. The lawsuit only addresses the unauthorized use of the song, and does not address possible claims by Chrysler that Audi may have copied aspects of the Chrysler 200 campaign. According to noted German copyright expert, Thomas Schmitz, who is handling the case for the plaintiff, "we have made the Regional Court aware of the serious implications of this matter. We have requested a cease and desist order and will also seek damages." "Lose Yourself" is one of the most iconic copyrights in the world and, prior to Chrysler's critically acclaimed campaign, the song's publisher had never authorized its use to advertise a product. "We enjoy working with clients who approach us with creative ideas to use our songs where real value is created for all parties, but we will always be aggressive in protecting our valuable rights, especially where, as in this case, we believe someone has used our material without permission." The publisher previously sued Apple for using an Eminem song in a commercial spot without an appropriate license.
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