Internet Archive Cracks Deal with Music Giants to Save Vintage Tunes

Internet Archive's Great 78 Project Lawsuit Settled with Music Publishers In a major victory for music preservation, the Internet Archive has reached a settlement with several major record labels in a lawsuit over its Great 78 Project. The project aimed to digitize and preserve early music recordings on fragile shellac records, but was met with opposition from music publishers who claimed copyright infringement. According to court documents filed Monday, UMG Recordings, Capitol Records, Sony Music Entertainment, and other record labels have agreed to settle the matter with the Internet Archive and its founder, Brewster Kahle. While details of the settlement remain confidential, industry insiders expect that the agreement will allow the Great 78 Project to continue its mission without further legal hurdles. "We're thrilled that we can move forward with our work," said Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, in a statement. "The Great 78 Project is an important effort to preserve music history for future generations." The lawsuit had sparked concerns among music enthusiasts and preservationists about the impact on cultural heritage. The Great 78 Project has been hailed as a groundbreaking initiative to digitize and make accessible rare recordings that are rapidly deteriorating. "This settlement is a win-win for everyone," said George Blood, recording engineer and key figure in the project. "We can now focus on preserving these precious records without the threat of litigation." The lawsuit had been ongoing since 2022, with music publishers claiming copyright infringement over the digitization and distribution of early recordings. However, many experts argue that the project falls under fair use provisions, which allow for the reproduction and sharing of copyrighted materials for purposes such as education, research, or preservation. "This settlement is a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage," said Maria Pallante, president of the Copyright Alliance. "We're glad that all parties have come together to find a resolution that allows this vital work to continue." While the terms of the settlement remain under wraps, industry insiders expect that the agreement will pave the way for future preservation efforts. The Internet Archive has committed to continuing its mission to preserve and make accessible cultural artifacts, including music recordings. The next 45 days will see further developments in the case as parties submit filings to officially dismiss the lawsuit. However, it's unlikely that the settlement amount will be publicly disclosed. For now, fans of early music can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the Great 78 Project can continue its vital work without interruption. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*