LimeWire Loses Court Battle

The recording industry has won its fight again LimeWire, the file-sharing software company, in a case that stretches back to 2006.

The U.S. District Court in New York this week ruled that LimeWire and its chairman, Mark Gorton were liable for inducing copyright infringement.

The record labels and LimeWire are to meet with Judge Kimba Wood on June 1 to determine the next steps, such as a possible deal to work together going forward and a potential award for damages.

The Recording Industry Association of American said more than 200 million copies of LimeWire's file-sharing software have been downloaded so far, including 340,000 in the last week alone.

LimeWire CEO George Searle said in a statement that while it 'strongly opposes' the court's decision, the company held out hope for a deal. The company sells an 'Extended Pro' version of its free software for $34.95 a year, leaving open the possibility that a new business model could emerge in cooperation with the music industry.

'LimeWire remains committed to developing innovative products and services for the end-user and to working with the entire music industry, including the major labels, to achieve this mission,' Searle said.

The two sides are scheduled to meet with Judge Kimba Wood on June 1 to determine the next steps, such as a possible deal to work together going forward and a potential award for damages.