Universal Lose Eminem Royalty Fight

Universal Music executives are facing a multi-million dollar pay out to Eminem's former publishing company after losing an appeal in a long-running dispute over royalties.

Last year, FBT Productions bosses claimed Universal owed the Stan hitmaker $1.47 million in damages because executives had failed to pay the star for music downloads.

The case was heard in a California court in March 2009, but a judge dismissed FBT's argument and ruled in favor of Universal. The publishing firm's owners appealed the decision and, on Friday, Central District of California court Judge Silverman reversed the previous ruling, declaring Universal bosses will have to pay FBT a substantial amount in compensation, although the exact amount had not been revealed as we went to press.

Eminem is not directly involved in the legal battle.