Abstracts » Retail industry

US: RECORD GROUPS SEEK TO CLOSE NAPSTER

Article Abstract:

The five largest record companies in the world, Universal, BMG, Sony, Warner Music and EMI, have pressed a San Francisco federal judge to close down the Internet music swapping site Napster, arguing that its activities are in breach of copyright law, and are an illegal means of music distribution. The Record Industry Association of America likens the operation of the site to burglary, and is hoping to force Napster to pay compensation of up to US$300mn. In the meantime it hopes to see the website closed by a court injunction. Napster is expected to contend that personal music-copying is a right protected by federal law. It has argued that the site is good for music as a whole, opening up new markets. It is visited by around 20mn users.

United States, Legal issues & crime, Integrated Record Production/Distribution, Prerecorded records and tapes, Phonograph Records, Cases, Online services, Sony Corp., EMI Co., Sound recording industry, Recording industry, SNE, Recording Industry Association of America, BMG Corp., Warner Music

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UK: AFFINITY INTERNET IN GB[pound] 21.3MN LISTING

Article Abstract:

Affinity Internet, a provider of software tools and services, is to raise GB[pound] 21.3mn in a full listing on the London Stock Exchange. The cash will help fund its alliance with Vodafone Airtouch. It currently trades on the Alternative Investment Market. Affinity resells telecom services and provides billing systems. It is currently transforming Internet content from more than 500 providers so it can be used on Vodafone's wireless application protocol. WAP allows data to be received by wireless applications such as mobile phones.

United Kingdom, Prepackaged software, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Securities issued, listed, Computer software industry, Software industry, Software, Securities, Affinity Internet Holdings PLC

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