RIAA suit over XM recording device draws to a close

EMI has withdrawn from the RIAA complaint against XM Satellite Radio over the Pioneer Inno, an XM receiver that allows users to record the satellite service directly to MP3 or WMA.

The RIAA's suit, filed in May 2006, alleged the Pioneer Inno was a device built for the express purpose of copyright infringement, and asked for huge reparations for every song that users copied.

At first, the suit was supported by all the "Big Four" major music labels, but in late 2007, Universal Music Group withdrew from the complaint. It struck a deal with XM, licensing its content for recording on the Inno and future devices offered by the satellite radio provider.

UMG's withdrawal started a landslide, and in less than two months, both Warner Music and Sony BMG had pulled out from the suit and established similar settlements.

EMI was the last major record company to retract its complainant status and resolve its dispute with XM over the device. As with the prior arrangements, neither company has disclosed the terms of the agreement.