We only care because MP3.com's stock dropped 21%, or $1 11/16, to close at $6 3/16 on Nasdaq. That's a lot of dollars to people who own more than two shares—like the guy we know who got out today after losing $30 a share. Analysts at Robertson Stephens and Chase Hambrecht & Quist downgraded the company.
RIAA General Counsel/Sr. Exec. VP Cary Sherman sat down with the heads of all the major labels—in New York City for the Video Music Awards—to discuss the implications of the settlement, but how could that be important? Then again, perhaps since employees are starting to flee MP3.com, maybe we should be worrying about our jobs. Mmmm, nah.
The judgment against MP3.com could range from $118 million to $250 million, depending on how many CDs Rakoff rules that MP3.com violated the copyright on. The company has $315 million in its coffers, $150 million of which has been earmarked for settlements with the other labels. The exact amount of the money they owe to UMG will be determined in November, with estimates ranging from $118 million to $250 million. Adding the $80 million they've already agreed to pay the other four labels to $250 million and subtracting it from $315 million—wait, let's get out our abacus—leaves them dripping in red ink.
Now questioners are questioning if Universal could conceivably acquire MP3.com as part of the settlement. Was that Michael Robertson boning up on his French?
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