Music Rights in the Spotlight: Two New Battles Take Aim at Platforms

This week, the legal system is putting online platforms under pressure — again. Eminem’s publisher has filed a lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram for allegedly using his music without a license in thousands of user-generated videos. Meanwhile, internet service provider RCN is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on whether ISPs should be held liable for online piracy. As enforcement tactics evolve, these cases could help define who’s responsible when copyrighted music ends up online — and who’s on the hook.

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ChaseLawyers Newsletter
June 03, 2025

Hi there,

This week’s stories spotlight a growing push to hold platforms — and the services behind them — accountable for how music is used online. First, Eight Mile Style, Eminem’s music publisher, is suing Meta for allegedly allowing unlicensed use of his song “Crack a Bottle” in user-generated content across Facebook and Instagram. At the same time, ISP provider RCN is urging the Supreme Court to decide whether internet providers should face liability for piracy on their networks. Both cases raise the same core question: in a digital world, who’s responsible for protecting artists’ rights?

Eminem’s Publisher Sues Meta Over Unlicensed Song Use

Eight Mile Style, the publisher behind Eminem’s catalog, has filed a lawsuit against Meta, claiming the company allowed the rapper’s track “Crack a Bottle” to be used without permission in over 50,000 videos on Facebook and Instagram. The suit alleges copyright infringement and demands statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation. It’s the latest in a series of legal efforts to hold social media platforms accountable for unlicensed music in user-generated content — and a reminder that clearance still matters, even in short-form clips.

Supreme Court Asked to Rule on ISP Piracy Liability

Internet service provider RCN is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a major case that could decide whether ISPs can be held responsible for piracy on their networks. The request follows a jury ruling that ordered RCN to pay $47 million for failing to act on copyright infringement notices. The company argues that holding ISPs liable for their users’ activity sets a dangerous precedent. If the Court agrees to hear the case, it could reshape the legal expectations for service providers across the music and entertainment industries.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Eminem’s Publisher Sues Facebook and Instagram

Eight Mile Style claims Meta let users post over 50,000 videos featuring Eminem’s song “Crack a Bottle” — without a license. The publisher is now seeking damages for copyright infringement.

Supreme Court May Hear Case on ISP Piracy Liability

ISP RCN wants the Supreme Court to decide whether internet providers should be held liable for user piracy. The outcome could set a major precedent for digital copyright enforcement.

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