January 29, 2009

By By Chris M. Walsh, N.Y.

A lawsuit filed over Lil Wayne's alleged use of the Rolling Stones's song "Play With Fire" was settled today.

Abkco Music Inc, which owns the rights to a portion of the Rolling Stones catalog, filed suit against UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., EMI Group, LTD. and other parties, including Lil Wayne (real name Dwayne Michael Carter) in July of last year, claiming copyright infringement and unfair competition.

Lil Wayne's "Playing with Fire" was a clear derivative of the Rolling Stones song with the original lyrics and music altered in a recognizable way, Abkco said in its lawsuit, according to Reuters.

Prior to the settlement, the disputed recording was voluntarily removed from "Tha Carter III" and taken down by all providers of digital downloads, ringtones and ringbacks, according to a release issued today.

The announcement states "all parties expressed themselves satisfied with the amicable settlement."

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