Singer Jackson Browne has received an apology from Senator John McCain for using his song Running on Empty during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Browne had sued McCain and the Republican Party for copyright infringement after they used his song in a web ad in Ohio to mock Barack Obama's energy policies.

A settlement announced Tuesday included a pledge by the Republicans to get artists' permission before using their work in future campaigns.

"We apologize that a portion of the Jackson Browne song Running on Empty was used without permission," said a statement issued by McCain and the Ohio and national GOP.

The statement said McCain had not known about the infringement.

Financial details of the settlement weren't released.

Browne, a lifelong Democrat, said he was concerned that people would believe he had endorsed McCain after learning his song had been used in the ad.

McCain's presidential campaign also received complaints from the Foo Fighters (My Hero), Van Halen (Right Now) and John Mellencamp (Our Country) for unauthorized use of their songs at rallies.

Running mate Sarah Palin was criticized for unauthorized use of Barracuda, by Heart.