Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2011/05/13/lime_wire_settles_with_riaa/

LimeWire settles with record labels, to pay $105m for copyright hurt

Bitter aftertaste for P2P outfit

By Kelly Fiveash

Posted in Legal, 13th May 2011 12:30 GMT

Defunct P2P file-sharing network LimeWire settled out of court with major record companies yesterday in a $105m agreement.

The settlement follows a May 2010 ruling by US District Judge Kimba Woods, who found Lime Group and Lime Wire LLC – the parent companies behind LimeWire – had wrongfully assisted users in making pirate copies of digital recordings.

A copyright complaint was first brought against LimeWire by 13 labels, including the four majors, in 2006.

Under court order the site was closed on 26 October last year, following the judge's ruling. But a damages settlement wasn't reached until yesterday.

"We are pleased to have reached a large monetary settlement following the court's finding that both LimeWire and its founder Mark Gorton are personally liable for copyright infringement," said RIAA chairman and CEO Mitch Bainwol.

"As the court heard during the last two weeks, LimeWire wreaked enormous damage on the music community, helping contribute to thousands of lost jobs and fewer opportunities for aspiring artists."

The RIAA's full statement is here. ®