Warner/Chappell to pearLyrics: We're sorry, really

I don't know if it was the EFF's tough talk or the fact that Google is now doing the same thing that angered Warner/Chappell in the first place, but either way, it looks like the record company has backed down on its threats against tiny freeware program pearLyrics, and issued an apology to developer Walter Ritter. In a joint statement, Ritter and Warner/Chappell CEO Richard Blackstone said that "in both tone and substance, [Warner/Chappell's earlier cease-and-desist] letter was an inappropriate manner in which to [express the company's concerns about the product]. Warner/Chappell apologizes to Walter Ritter and pearworks." Unfortunately, the letter doesn't say anything about letting Ritter revive pearLyrics, and for now, the program still seems dead. So, three cheers for the little guy, but it looks like Warner may be the big winner here, since they've got a PR victory in place, while pearLyrics remains dormant.

 

Tags: freeware, news