Record Labels Settle Copyright Dispute with Internet Archive Over Vintage Music Project
“Internet Archive reaches confidential settlement in music digitization case”
A significant copyright dispute between major record labels—including Universal Music Group and Sony Music—and the nonprofit Internet Archive has reached a confidential settlement. The resolution, announced in a joint filing on Monday in a California federal court, brings an end—at least temporarily—to a high-profile legal battle over the digitization and public streaming of thousands of vintage recordings.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict originated from the Internet Archive’s “Great 78 Project,” a preservation initiative aimed at digitally archiving fragile 78-rpm records, many of which are culturally and historically significant. According to the Internet Archive, the project seeks to ensure the survival of these materials for future generations, functioning with a mission akin to that of a traditional library.
However, record labels led by Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and others viewed the project differently. In their 2023 lawsuit, the plaintiffs alleged that the Archive had created an “illegal record store,” making over 4,000 songs by iconic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday available for download and streaming without authorization.
Legal Proceedings and Arguments
The Internet Archive defended its actions under the fair use doctrine, asserting that the digitization and access to old recordings served a public good and fell within legal boundaries. However, the argument faced judicial scepticism. U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney previously ruled against the Archive’s attempt to dismiss portions of the lawsuit, particularly rejecting the claim that the statute of limitations invalidated some of the labels’ allegations. The court did not find sufficient grounds to dismiss the case on timing alone, allowing the copyright claims to proceed. This case came in the wake of another legal setback for the Internet Archive. In 2023, the nonprofit lost a separate copyright case brought by major book publishers over its digital lending of scanned books—a blow to its broader mission of digital preservation and open access.
Settlement and Confidential Terms
In the latest court filing, both the record labels and the Internet Archive stated that they had “resolved their dispute” and jointly requested a stay in proceedings while the terms of the settlement are carried out. The details of the agreement remain confidential, and neither side has disclosed the nature of the concessions or obligations involved. Spokespeople from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Internet Archive confirmed the settlement but declined to elaborate further.
Legal Representation
The record labels were represented by Matthew Oppenheim and Corey Miller of Oppenheim + Zebrak, Noel Cook of Hanson Bridgett, and Jacob Tracer from the Recording Industry Association of America. The Internet Archive was represented by Andrew Gass, Joseph Wetzel, and Allison Stillman of Latham & Watkins.
Implications and Broader Context
The settlement marks another pivotal moment in the ongoing debate between copyright enforcement and digital preservation. While the Internet Archive continues to position itself as a modern-day library seeking to democratize access to cultural artifacts, content owners remain vigilant about the unauthorized use of copyrighted works—even when the intentions appear archival or educational. This case underscores the increasing legal scrutiny faced by digital libraries and preservation projects, especially when they intersect with the commercial interests of the media and entertainment industry. As the boundaries between public access and copyright protection continue to evolve, similar disputes are likely to arise.