Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

Internet Archive’s Great 78 Project Lawsuit Ends in Confidential Settlement

Internet Archive and six record companies settled their Great 78 Project lawsuit in September 2025. The court dismissed the case the following month, but the settlement amount and operational terms remain undisclosed.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Internet Archive and six record-company plaintiffs announced a confidential settlement in their lawsuit over the Great 78 Project on September 15, 2025. On October 16, 2025, a federal court dismissed all claims with prejudice and ordered each side to bear its own fees and costs. The public filings do not disclose how much the settlement cost or what the parties agreed to do.

What was settled—and when?

The case, UMG Recordings, Inc. et al. v. Internet Archive et al., was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California as case 3:23-cv-06522-MMC. The plaintiffs were UMG Recordings, Capitol Records, Concord Bicycle Assets, CMGI Recorded Music Assets, Sony Music Entertainment, and Arista Music. Defendants included Internet Archive, Brewster Kahle, Kahle/Austin Foundation, George Blood, and George Blood LP.

In a joint notice filed September 15, 2025, the parties told the court they had settled. They asked to vacate upcoming deadlines while certain settlement terms were performed and said they expected to file a dismissal within 45 days after performance. The notice described a planned dismissal, not the substance of the confidential terms. (Joint notice filed in the case.)

Internet Archive said in a September 15 post: “The parties have reached a confidential resolution of all claims and will have no further public comment on this matter.” The statement was authored by Chris Freeland, the organization’s Director of Library Services. (Internet Archive statement.)

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers, 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration
  • 【Vintage Record Player】Bluetooth Input & AUX Audio input & RCA line-out & Headphone jack. 2 Built in stereo speakers,with Bluetooth wireless technology,elegantly listen to the music from your smart phone.Use Aux cable input to directly play the music. Or enjoy your time with headphone. For better or louder sound, connect external speaker via RCA cable.
  • 【Belt Drive Vinyl Turntable】Easy to use, simple setup and operation. Great ideal for vinyl lovers. Three-speed Turntable (33, 45, 78 RPM) plays all of your 7" 10" 12" vinyl records.TIPS:When placing a 12-inch vinyl record on the turntable, gently tilt it toward the tonearm to ensure proper playback.
  • 【Record Player Bluetooth】 Built-in Bluetooth receiver & 2 stereo speakers,,you can listen to your favorite music from your Bluetooth compatible device like smartphone with ease. Just Bluetooth in connect and play!
  • 【Portable Record Player with Built in Speaker】It creates a warm atmosphere when family gatherings. When you are alone, it can help you relax. Even if you don't use it, it can be one of the home's premium decorations. As a gift, it also allows the recipient to feel your heart.
  • 【Retro Vinyl Record Player】There is a removable cover on the top to protect vinyl and turntable plat. You can shut the cover shields and keep the dust out. And the beautiful textured exterior are a perfect fit for any environment.

On October 16, 2025, the court dismissed the action with prejudice as to all claims and ordered each party to bear its own fees and costs. “With prejudice” means the claims in this action were dismissed finally rather than left open to be refiled as the same claims. The order establishes the case’s procedural end; it does not disclose the negotiated terms. (Final dismissal order.)

What was the Great 78 Project dispute about?

The Great 78 Project digitized recordings from physical 78 rpm records and made digital files available to stream and download. The San Francisco Chronicle described the collection as containing more than 400,000 fragile shellac records, including recordings by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. The record companies sued over recordings they claimed were protected by their rights. (San Francisco Chronicle coverage.)

Rank #2
Sale
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control, Black
  • Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
  • Direct-drive DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
  • Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate control variable pitch control with quartz speed lock and balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control and lockable rest
  • Convert your vinyl records to digital audio files by downloading and using the free Mac- and PC-compatible Audacity recording software (or software of your choice)
  • Includes USB cable detachable RCA output cable (dual RCA male to dual RCA male) AC adapter 45 RPM adapter counterweight felt mat and removable hinged dust cover

Copyright Alliance’s 2025 year-in-review said the plaintiffs alleged infringement involving 2,749 pre-1972 sound recordings. That figure describes the plaintiffs’ allegation, not a finding by the court. The case settled, so the dismissal order did not decide whether the recordings were infringed. (Copyright Alliance, 2025.)

How much did the settlement cost?

The settlement amount has not been disclosed in the public materials cited here. The widely reported damages figures concern claims or estimates made during litigation, not money awarded by the court or confirmed as paid under the settlement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Seasonlife® Vinyl Record Player with Speakers,Wood Black Vintage Turntables
  • VINTAGE LOOKING&GREAT IDEA OPTIONS - As a music player combined age and modern sense, A vintage and fashion style record player is a great idea for your loving family and friends at all festivals. No matter to awake a good time in memory, start an elementary musical education, or just prepare a birthday surprise
  • THREE SPEED THREE SIZES OPTIONS - Balanced tonearm with lifting arm control, support adjusting 3 listening speeds(33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM) and playing 3 sizes(7'', 10'' and 12'') of records, let you enjoy your entire record collection
  • WIRELESS INPUT PAIRING - Not only can play vinyl records to experience the retro-style music and atmosphere, but you can also play all your favorite music at any time via a Wireless connection, playing music from mobile phones or other audio devices
  • BELT-DRIVEN ANTI-VIBRATION SYSTEM - The turntable base is equipped with a spring and belt-driven design to provide shock absorption and improve sound quality. An easily removable dust cover protects your vinyl records from damage
  • BUILT-IN SPEAKER AND VERSATILE - Dynamic full range stereo speaker provide sound for daily leisure listening. Don't worry if you don't have extra speakers. Or your can connect to external powered speakers via RCA output to get better sound. AUX and BT playback is also a way to play music. All-in-one turntable - Easy to set up and use, suitable for beginners
  • Ars Technica reported that the labels initially alleged $400 million in damages, then raised their estimate to $700 million after adding works to the case. These were litigation figures, not settlement terms. (Ars Technica coverage.)
  • The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the labels had sought $621 million. That, too, is a reported demand during the case—not the settlement amount. (San Francisco Chronicle coverage.)

The figures differ because reports describe different claims or points in the litigation. None establishes what, if anything, was paid in the confidential settlement.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Does the settlement mean recordings were removed or infringement was admitted?

The public notice, Internet Archive statement, and dismissal order do not establish whether any particular Great 78 recording remains online, whether the parties agreed to remove or restrict material, or whether any payment was made. They also do not document an admission of infringement. A settlement ends a dispute by agreement; it is not, by itself, a judicial ruling that either side’s underlying legal position was correct.

Best Value
Retrolife® Vinyl Record Player with Speakers, Bluetooth Vinyl Player-Black
  • 【Retrolife INDIVIDUAL SUITCASE RECORD PLAYER】A satisfying combo of modern and vintage elements. Black classic PU leather outlook with retro bronze metal screws and nets, you can take it everywhere with its solid handle. Be ready to create your own music memories
  • 【FOUR AVAILABLE CONNECTION CHOICES】Music streaming digital audio via turntable built-in Bluetooth speakers. Hook up external speakers through RCA output or Aux-in line for non-Bluetooth devices like MP3. You can use your headphones to get private listening. Just seize the day with music
  • 【THREE-SPEED & THREE-SIZES TURNTABLE】Support 3-Size of 7/10/12″records and 3-Speed of 33/45/78 RMP playing speeds. Belt-driven system matches technical Anti-Resonance design to achieve better sound quality to you
  • 【NO EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED】Set up easily and get started in minutes. Ideal for beginners and vinyl enthusiasts to get your fun time. Suitable for your bedroom/living room/office thanks to the perfect size and premium sound quality
  • 【USEFUL KNOBS INCLUDED】An Auto-stop switch that stops spinning once the record playing at the end of the record. Quick mode switch(Bluetooth/Aux-in/Phono) for your simple use. Great to use it when you need relaxation, party and gathering etc
Rank #4
Victrola Journey II - Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player - Black
  • OUR SHARPEST SOUND IN A SUITCASE YET – Meet Journey II, the latest generation of the iconic Victrola portable suitcase record player, combining improved sound and updated design details for effortless setup and listening anywhere
  • ENHANCED STEREO SOUND – Experience deeper bass and dynamic audio from this vinyl record player with speaker, featuring upgraded stereo speakers with an integrated bass port for richer, fuller sound.
  • BLUETOOTH OUTPUT – Stream vinyl records from the 3-speed belt-drive turntable to Bluetooth speakers or headphones with VINYLSTREAM technology, giving you more ways to enjoy your records
  • BLUETOOTH MUSIC STREAMING – Wirelessly stream music from your Bluetooth device directly to the built-in speakers for effortless playback
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY – This vinyl record player with speaker features a line input to connect external sources, RCA output to connect the turntable to external speakers, and a headphone jack for private listening

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.