'Eye Of The Tiger' Composer Sues To Stop Gingrich Use Of Song Published January 31, 2012 2011 The Florida Times-Union Jan. 30: Republican presidential candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks to the crowd gathered for the Jacksonville Grassroots Rally. CHICAGO - The composer of the "Rocky III" anthem "Eye of the Tiger" is suing Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich to stop him from using the song at campaign events. The federal lawsuit, filed Monday in Chicago by Rude Music Inc., contends Gingrich has used the song since 2009 to herald his arrival at rallies and public events. The lawsuit says Gingrich uses the song without the permission of Frank Sullivan, who with Jim Peterik, composed the song and copyrighted it in 1982. The lawsuit asks for an injunction to prevent Gingrich from using the song, as well as damages and attorneys' fees Attorneys for the Gingrich campaign couldn't be reached for comment late Monday.