> ## 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.

# Universal Spent $12M To Win “Pyrrhic Victory” Against Michael Robertson, MP3tunes
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/universal-spent-12m-to-win-pyrrhic-victory-against-michael-robertson-mp3tunes/
- Published: 2015-04-06T11:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2015-04-06T11:00:00.000Z
- Description: Universal Music has been chasing MP3tunes since 2009. Whatever the merits of labels taking legal action music tech companies from Napster to Grooveshark, the cost of these lawsuits are indirectly. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/04/universal-spent-12m-to-win-pyrrhic-victory-ag
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: Major Labels, Music Tech, Streaming, Bjørn Lynne, Canal+, Free streaming, Freemium, Gaye family, record label, Spotify, Universal Music Group, Vivendi, YouTube, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:28

**[![image from www.hypebot.com](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201bb08173726970d-150wi "image from www.hypebot.com")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201bb08173726970d-popup?ref=hypebot.com)Universal Music** has been **chasing MP3tunes since 2009**. Whatever the merits of labels taking legal action music tech companies from **Napster** to **Grooveshark**, the **cost of these lawsuits are indirectly born by artists** and almost **never are financial wins shared** with them.

In recent court filings, attorneys for Universal Music Group seek an additional $7,195,000 in legal fees in their case against MP3tunes and founder Michael Robertson. Previously, the courts awarded UMG attorneys $5 million in fees.

If the request stands, Universal Music's legal team will have been paid in excess $12 million to win a judgement of $12,241,000 against Robertson and $11 million against a[ bankrupt MP3tunes](https://www.hypebot.com/battered-by-emi-lawsuit-mp3tunes-files-for-bankruptcy-protection/).

In [the filing](http://recordingindustryvspeople.blogspot.com/2015/04/capitol-records-has-spent-over-12.html?ref=hypebot.com) U.S. District Court Judge William Pauley blames both sides for the drawn out litigation and

[![Michael Roberston](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201b7c7734f3b970b-100wi "Michael Roberston")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201b7c7734f3b970b-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

says that the final decision which effectively netted $12 million in damages "suggests a Pyrrhic victory."

Robertson had been found liable for direct infringement for transferring some unlicensed songs. The judge also found that “users of MP3tunes unlawfully copied songs from unauthorized third-party websites” and ruled that the company had not removed after they were identified, as the DMCA requires.

Related articles

[![](http://i.zemanta.com/330834234_80_80.jpg)](https://www.hypebot.com/spotify-to-pay-universal-music-group-1-billion-according-to-leaked-email/)[Spotify To Pay Universal Music Group $1 Billion, According To Leaked Email](https://www.hypebot.com/spotify-to-pay-universal-music-group-1-billion-according-to-leaked-email/)

[![](http://i.zemanta.com/330036784_80_80.jpg)](https://www.hypebot.com/blurred-lines-trial-offers-rare-glimpse-at-the-bottom-line/)[Blurred Lines Trial Offers Rare Glimpse At The Bottom Line](https://www.hypebot.com/blurred-lines-trial-offers-rare-glimpse-at-the-bottom-line/)

[![](http://i.zemanta.com/332188279_80_80.jpg)](https://www.hypebot.com/the-4-most-controversial-ways-to-fund-your-music-career/)[The 4 Most Controversial Ways To Fund Your Music Career](https://www.hypebot.com/the-4-most-controversial-ways-to-fund-your-music-career/)

[![](http://i.zemanta.com/330273243_80_80.jpg)](https://www.hypebot.com/the-orchard-acquires-blind-pig-records/)[The Orchard Acquires Blind Pig Records](https://www.hypebot.com/the-orchard-acquires-blind-pig-records/)

[![](http://i.zemanta.com/330273236_80_80.jpg)](https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/03/ex-.html)[Ex Cops Not Lovin' McDonald's Invitation To Play For French Fries At SXSW](https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/03/ex-.html)