Last week, Russia agreed to shut down the the digital music site AllofMP3.com as a part of a trade agreement with the U.S.
However, AllofMP3.com does not intend to go out without a fight.
John Kheit, an IP attorney for the site issued this statement: “Legality is not decided by a legislative branch or an executive branch. It’s decided by a court.” The company believes that their operation is legal in both Russia and the U.S. and they do not plan on going anywhere in the foreseeable future.
According to the agreement, Russia will change its laws by the middle of 2007 and these changes would directly affect AllofMP3.com. So, even if it is legal now, it will be a moot point by next year. Still, the website claims that it will adapt to these changes and sees no reason to shut down.
Just how AllofMP3.com plans to adapt to the law without losing it’s competitive advantage is unclear, but my guess is that regardless of the verdict, AllofMP3 is going to have an extremely difficult time staying in business.
