Terry Goddard Announces Claims Process in SONY BMG Settlement

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Jan. 5, 2007) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced that a formal claims process has been created for consumers affected by the December 2006 settlement with SONY BMG. The settlement resolved allegations that the record company placed anti-copying software on music compact discs without notifying consumers. Goddard joined 39 other states in this $4.25 million settlement. Arizona’s share is about $310,000.

During 2005, SONY BMG distributed more than 12 million CDs with two kinds of anti-copying software. SONY BMG did not adequately notify consumers who purchased these CDs about the anti-copying software (also known as Digital Rights Management software) or that the software would download itself onto computers without their knowledge.

The settlement provides restitution to consumers who purchased CDs with this software. Consumers can visit the settlement Web site at sonybmgcdtechsettlement.com/CDList.htm to view the list of affected CDs.

SONY BMG also agreed to refund up to $175 to consumers who experienced computer harm and expense when they attempted to remove the software. Consumers can file a claim through the company’s Web site at sonybmg.com/copy_protection_settlement.html. The deadline to submit a claim is June 30, 2007.

In addition to providing restitution, SONY BMG agreed to stop using anti-copying software on its music CDs in the future without first complying with the reforms required by the settlement.

Assistant Attorney General Vincent Rabago handled this case.