According to the agreement, Snocap will provide its music tracking system and database services to make EMI’s content available via online retailers and peer-to-peer network operators.
Snocap is the brainchild of Shawn Fanning, who created the service after his early file-sharing system Napster was found to be in breach of copyright law in 2001. It operates as a legal trading network by giving each song its own digital fingerprint, which is used to identify the file during the swap to allow record firms to charge for its use. The service also determines how copyright holders may want them to be used, freeing Snocap of copyright infringement.
The move suggests a split in the music industry, who is currently suffering losses at the expense of popular online music services such as Apple’s iTunes, RealNetworks’ Rhapsody and the reformed Napster. Last month, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry issued 963 lawsuits in Europe and Asia against internet users who were caught illegally downloading files. The British Phonographic Industry also announced its own attack on 33 so-called music pirates in the UK
This sends a signal to music industry critics who claim we are technophobic, said David Munns, CEO of EMI Music North America. If anything, we are embracing technologies like SNOCAP, which allow the P2P community to share music legally. It’s a big step forward for fans, artists and copyright owners.
EMI joins Sony BMG and Universal in registering its content with Snocap.
