Rapper Eminem has resolved a legal dispute over the unauthorized use of his Grammy-winning music in mobile phone ringtones, according to court filings in Chicago.
Eminem's publishing company brought the case last October against Colorado-based Cellus and five other firms, alleging they exploited his songs for ringtones without permission. The lawsuit was formally dismissed on 1 June.
His attorney, Howard Hertz of Bloomfield Hills, said illegal Eminem ringtones generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Hertz declined to reveal the settlement terms, saying only that the parties reached "an amicable agreement."
A separate defendant, Nextones.com, ignored the lawsuit entirely and was ordered on 16 May to pay $195,000 in damages.
Hertz also warned that businesses distributing Eminem songs to karaoke venues without proper licenses should expect similar legal action within the coming months.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.