One of Eminem's publishers has filed papers alleging National breached copyright by using the Lose Yourself in its campaign ads. Photo / AP
One of Eminem's publishers has filed papers alleging National breached copyright by using the Lose Yourself in its campaign ads. Photo / AP
There are only two days left in what has been the craziest run-up to a general election in living memory.
Just when things couldn't get wackier, and our politicians were already making global headlines for all the wrong reasons, up jumped Eminem, or rather, up jumped one of his publisherswho filed papers in the High Court alleging the National Party breached copyright by using the rap superstar's song Lose Yourself in its campaign advertisements.
The schadenfreude from the Left is understandable - here's a party that championed the cause of Big Entertainment in fighting copyright abuse, eg illegal downloading, facing the music itself.
But if National, as it claims, ticked all the boxes and went through the required processes to use the track legitimately the issue lies with those further up the chain, including those who created, sold and resold or licensed this version of the music, which is undoubtedly similar to the original.
Frankly though, using a soundalike track is a little distasteful and cheap.
Couldn't they have come up with a New Zealand song at least?
Put a few pennies in the pockets of local musicians?
As I've noted before, the Waiariki election race will be closely watched.
Not only could the future of Government support partner the Maori Party hinge on Te Ururoa Flavell winning, but Internet-Mana - wary of polls that show Mr Flavell well ahead in Waiariki and Hone Harawira only just leading Kelvin Davis in Te Tai Tokerau - will be eyeing more than just a list seat for Rotorua's Annette Sykes.
The alliance, seemingly formed on the assumption Mr Harawira would win his seat, has a strong candidate in Ms Sykes, but will her result on election night be strong enough should Labour's Mr Davis take the northern seat?
