Rapper Eminem's publishers, Eight Mile Style and Martin Affiliated, are suing the National Party of New Zealand for using Eminem's music in a campaign commercial without prior authorization.

The publishers, both based in Detroit, own the copyrights to the "Lose Yourself" which was used as the scoring of a television advertisement for the September 20 elections. 

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Represented by Auckland-based lawyer Garry Williams, the two publishers are currently seeking damages for copyright infringement in the Wellington High Court.

However, Prime Minister John Key's National Party, popular and leading in the opinion polls, stated that the allegations are false because they purchased the music from the Beatbox library. The group is ready to face the allegations and defend itself in court.

The group shared that although the music is similar to the hit "Lose Yourself", it is not the same song and doesn't include vocals.

Upon learning of the complaint two weeks ago, the National Party has stopped using the track in its campaign.

According to the publishers, "'Lose Yourself' is one of the most iconic copyrights in the world, and the song's publishers have rarely authorized its use to advertise products and have said that they would never allow it to be used in connection with any political campaign.

The National Party, on the other hand, stated that the music has been licensed several times in both New Zealand and Australia, but this is the first time a complaint has been filed.

"It appears though that the National Party is the only organization that has used this material that is being legally targeted. As the matter is now before the courts we will not be making any further public comment," the party stated.

"Lose Yourself" was released as the first single from the soundtrack to Eminem's movie "8 Mile". The said song was released in October 28, 2002.