Unlicensed music streaming service Aurous, dubbed both ‘Popcorn Time For Music’ and ‘The New Grooveshark’ after launching in October, has officially shut down – and it won’t be coming back.
Owner Andrew Sampson has agreed to cease all operations and to close the platform in a $3m settlement with major label plaintiffs Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Bros. Records.
The majors launched a copyright infringement case against the service in October, within days of Aurous’s launch.
They quickly secured a temporary restraining order prohibiting Aurous’ infringing conduct, but now the case has come to a close. Aurous has now consented to the Court entering a permanent injunction and judgment against it.
The settlement requires Aurous and its founder, Andrew Sampson, to permanently cease and terminate all operation of the Aurous.me website or any other website or software similar to the Aurous system.
In addition, Aurous has also agreed to transfer all of the intellectual property in its service to the plaintiffs.
That result mirrors the shut down of Grooveshark in May, when all IP and assets were handed to the RIAA. The Grooveshark.com domain is now owned by Universal Music Group.
“Aurous appropriately agreed to shut down,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman & CEO, RIAA.
“It was the right thing to do. We hope this sends a strong signal that unlicensed services cannot expect to build unlawful businesses on the backs of music creators.”Music Business Worldwide
