London, February 26 : Rapper Eminem has denied being involved in a battle with his record label Universal over digital download royalties.

Representatives for the `The Without Me' singer have said that he is "not party" to the lawsuit.

They were reacting to recent reports that Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, sued Universal bosses via his F. B. T. Productions company in 2007, challenging how much he is entitled to when his music was sold to third-party distributors, such as Apple's iTunes downloading website.

Nearly two years after being filed in a California Court, the royalties suit went to trial on Tuesday.

Media reports have also described this move as one that may set a precedent for the music industry, as hundreds of millions of dollars is potentially at stake for other artists whose songs have been made available for the service.

Eminem's representatives, however, have denied his involvement.

"Eminem is not a party to this lawsuit," the Daily Express quoted a spokesperson for him as telling SOHH. com.

F. B. T Productions is a company with which Eminem worked in the early days of his career.

Issuing a statement, representatives for Universal have denied the allegations filed against them.

"The claims made by F. B. T Productions are completely baseless as a matter of fact and meritless as a matter of law, and we look forward to presenting our side in court," they said. (ANI)