MADRID - Record companies went to court yesterday claiming $17.58 million from a Spaniard they claim profited from computer programs he designed to allow free music downloads from the internet.
The Promusicae association of Spanish record firms and branches of international companies Emi, Sony, Universal and Warner are suing Pablo Soto 30, for what they allege is unfair competition.
Soto designed three popular file-sharing programs for internet users to download music for free. He admits he earned a living from the programs but denies committing any offense.
Spanish courts have repeatedly ruled that free music downloading is not illegal if it is not for commercial use. People in Spain cover the alleged losses made by music companies and artists by paying a special tax on CDs, pen drives and mobile phones.
Article by Ap
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