Microsoft ends license talks with music labels: WSJ

Iria · Oct 4, 2005, 02:20 PM

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. has broken off licensing talks with the four global music companies, raising questions about the software giant's plans to start a subscription-based music service, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.

The paper reported negotiations broke down Friday over what Microsoft considered high royalty rates sought by EMI Group Plc, Warner Music Group Corp., Vivendi Universal's Universal Music Group and Sony BMG, a joint venture of Sony Corp. and Bertelsmann AG.

Services like those offered by Napster Inc., Yahoo Inc. and RealNetworks Inc., allow users to download music onto personal music players and have the potential to replace compact discs.

Microsoft has not announced a subscription music service, but it was widely expected to make such an announcement soon.
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Read More / Source: Reuters

Oct 4, 2005, 02:20 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Microsoft ends license talks with music labels: WSJ NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. has broken off licensing talks with the four global music companies, raising questions about the software giant's plans to start a subscription-based music service, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing unnamed sources. The paper reported negotiations broke down Friday over what Microsoft considered high royalty rates sought by EMI Group Plc, Warner Music Group Corp., Vivendi Universal's Universal Music Group and Sony BMG, a joint venture of Sony Corp. and Bertelsmann AG. Services like those offered by Napster Inc., Yahoo Inc. and RealNetworks Inc., allow users to download music onto personal music players and have the potential to replace compact discs. Microsoft has not announced a subscription music service, but it was widely expected to make such an announcement soon. __________ Read More / Source: Reuters