MWE Correspondent
A legal showdown is brewing between Eight Mile Style, the music publisher behind some of Eminem’s most famous hits, and Meta Platforms Inc., the tech powerhouse that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Filed in the United States on May 31, 2025, the lawsuit claims that Meta allowed users to access at least 243 songs controlled by Eight Mile Style without obtaining a proper license. These songs allegedly appeared in Meta’s music library, enabling users to add them to their posts, Instagram Stories and Reels, in violation of copyright law.
Eight Mile Style argues that although Meta previously signed a licensing deal with Audiam—a digital rights management company—in 2020, their own catalogue was never covered under that agreement. Negotiations between Meta and the publisher reportedly failed, yet the songs remained available on Meta platforms.
The publisher is now seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per track, potentially totaling more than $109 million across Meta’s properties. Additionally, they are requesting a court injunction to prevent further unauthorized use of Eminem’s music.
At the center of this case is the issue of copyright infringement, which continues to be a hot-button topic in the age of user-generated content. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook rely heavily on user creativity—and music is often a key ingredient in viral content. But rights holders, like Eight Mile Style, are growing increasingly vocal about protecting their intellectual property.
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Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, remains one of the world’s best-selling musical artists. His songs—such as “Lose Yourself” and “The Real Slim Shady”—are considered pop culture staples and are often featured across digital platforms.
Meta, as of now, has not released a public statement about the lawsuit. Legal observers say the case could set a precedent for how large tech companies approach music licensing, especially at a time when short-form content is dominating digital engagement.
With more artists and publishers standing up for their rights, and more platforms leaning into creative media tools, this case could become a landmark moment in how the internet handles copyrighted music in a social media world.
