Eminem’s publishers on Tuesday filed a complaint against five ringtone firms, alleging that they are using the rap star’s songs as mobile phone ringtones without permission, according to the Associated Press.

Advert: Free OUT-LAW breakfast seminars, UK-wide: Marketing and advertising on the web; and Ownership and sharing of customer dataPublishing firms Eight Mile Style and Martin Affiliated are seeking an injunction from the US District Court in Detroit against Matrix M LLC, Cellus USA, FanMobile, MyPhoneFiles and Nextones.com, says the Associated Press.

Reports suggest that the publishing companies may also target karaoke firms using Eminem songs without authorisation.

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, is no stranger to copyright actions. Last year his publishing company hit Apple Computer with a copyright infringement suit over an advert shown on MTV and on the Apple web site, which included a boy singing part of Eminem's hit "Lose Yourself". The rapper had not given his permission.

The case settled amicably in May this year, for an undisclosed sum.

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