In today’s world, where digital platforms generate and distribute millions of pieces of content every day, the line between free use and copyright infringement is becoming increasingly blurred. Public conflicts between creators and tech giants are increasingly being brought to court.
One such high-profile case is a new lawsuit filed by a famous musician against a large digital corporation. This precedent once again raises the issue of intellectual property protection in an era of rapid automation and mass content.
Details of the copyright infringement
52-year-old American rapper Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known by his stage name Eminem, has filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The artist’s lawyers claim that Eminem’s songs were placed in Meta’s “music libraries” and used in user-generated content through tools such as Reels Remix and Original Audio, resulting in the songs being played in millions of videos and streamed billions of times.
The legal documents state that Meta attempted to obtain licenses through Audiam, Inc., a digital royalty collection and payment system, powers that, according to Eight Mile Style, it did not grant to Audiam.
The lawsuit accuses Mark Zuckerberg’s company of “gross infringement” by using one of the rapper’s most famous melodies, “Eight Mile,” as well as “knowing infringement” by encouraging users of its online services to “do so, all knowingly and without license.”
“Thus, as Meta is aware, it does not enjoy and is not entitled to the safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA),” the lawsuit states.
Despite removing some songs after complaints, such as “Lose Yourself,” the company “continues to post unauthorized cover versions and instrumental versions.”
Eight Mile Style is now seeking compensation for actual damages, lost profits, and a permanent injunction against the unlicensed use of the Oscar-winning music.
The estimated amount is approximately $109 million. Alternatively, the rapper is seeking maximum statutory damages of $150,000 per song. Given that there are already 243 compositions in the libraries, including covers and instrumental versions, the minimum amount could be $36 million.
Eminem’s company has requested a jury trial, and Mark Zuckerberg has not commented on the case to the press.
Eminem’s lawsuit is not only an example of a high-profile legal conflict, but also a test case for the entire industry. It once again raises the question of the limits of copyrighted works in the digital space, where users are accustomed to creating content with other people’s music — 
often without any idea of copyright.
Meta, like other tech giants, on the one hand, provides creators with convenient tools such as Reels Remix, the use of audio fragments, quick editing, and so on. On the other hand, it often fails (or is unwilling) to properly regulate the rights to content that ends up in its “libraries.” It is these gaps in regulation that give rise to conflicts with rights holders.
This is far from the first case where musicians or publishers have gone to court over the unauthorized use of their works on social media. Similar claims have been made against YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, SoundCloud, and in many cases, companies have been forced to enter into licensing agreements with major rights holders. However, such agreements often do not cover the entire scope of copyright — in particular, there may be inconsistencies with instrumental versions, covers, or the automatic distribution of sounds to millions of videos.
Another important point is the mention in the lawsuit of safe harbor — a principle whereby platforms are not liable for the actions of their users if they respond quickly to complaints. In the Eminem case, it is emphasized that Meta does not fall under this protection because it 
acted knowingly, without licenses, and with full knowledge of the violation. If the court agrees with this, it could set a precedent that would complicate the position of social networks in similar conflicts.
The situation is similar in Ukraine — users massively use protected music products for Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. In most cases, this is done without permission. However, the platforms to which the content is uploaded are not formally liable until an official complaint is received from the copyright holder.
Ukrainian musicians, labels, and companies often do not have adequate legal support or do not pay attention to violations. Eminem’s lawsuit is a reminder that without a proper legal position, your songs can generate income for others, not you. Contact us to protect your rights!
copyright / intellectual property / Mark Zuckerberg / precedent
