Labels like Relapse Records and others have been shaking their collective fists at Grooveshark for years; the online music service provided convenient streaming of millions of songs, but most of the songs weren’t licensed with the labels who put out the music. After being found guilty of copyright infringement by the United States District Court in September of 2014, Grooveshark is closing its doors after nearly a decade.
The Grooveshark website now just displays a “dear music fans” message:
“Despite the best of intentions, we made very serious mistakes. We failed to secure licenses from rights holders for the vast amount of music on our service. That was wrong. We apologize.”
In a press release from the RIAA, Grooveshark agrees to the, “termination of all operations, wiping its computer servers of all the record companies’ music, and surrendering ownership of its website, mobile apps and intellectual property.” Digital Music News is reporting that part of the deal means that companies’ founders won’t be fined one cent.
(via Billboard)
