> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hypebot.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Indie Labels, Merlin Sue Limewire For $5 Million
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/indie-labels-merlin-sue-limewire-for-5-million/
- Published: 2011-07-15T11:46:39.000Z
- Updated: 2011-07-15T11:46:39.000Z
- Description: When LimeWire agreed in May to pay major record labels $105 million, it also promised to pay independent labels, according to a lawsuit filed by Merlin. The indie licensing organization. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/07/indie-labels-merlin-sue-limewire-for-5-million.html]
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: Indie Music, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:55

[![image from www.google.com](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2014e89dd2a49970d-120wi "image from www.google.com")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2014e89dd2a49970d-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

When **LimeWire** agreed in May to pay major record labels **$105 million**, it also promised to pay independent labels, according to a lawsuit filed by **Merlin**. The indie licensing organization says it had not to filed a lawsuit previously because **LimeWire signed an agreement in 2008** promising to pay indies in proportion to any settlement with the majors.

After the major label deal became public, LimeWire allegedly **denied** that it had offered indies similar settlement terms and **refused to pay**.

Merlin is a Netherlands-based nonprofit that represents more than **12,000 labels** globally. They have now sued LimeWire for copyright infringement demanding **$5 million**, and are represented by Donald Zakarin and Frank Scibilia with Pryor Cashman, according to [Courthouse News](http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/07/15/38186.htm?ref=hypebot.com).