COPYCENSE

“Apple Computer still reigns over the digital music world. When the Cupertino company confirmed this week that songs at its iTunes Music Store will remain 99 cents each, it showed that Apple continues to set the terms in the digital download market it pioneered just three years ago.

“As CD sales have continued to decline, Apple’s digital music sales and its iPod music player have been a standout success story. Music industry executives have meanwhile clamored for more control over prices — just as popular CDs cost more, executives have asked for the freedom to charge a premium for hit songs.

“Apple’s answer: No.”

Therese Poletti. 99-cent Downloads Show Apple’s Influence in Music Industry. MercuryNews.com. May 2, 2006.

See also:

Charles Duhigg. Apple Fights to Hold 99-Cent Download Line. LATimes.com. May 3, 2006.

ArsTechnica. iTMS Tracks to Stay Put at 99 Cents. May 1, 2006.

CopyCense™: K. Matthew Dames on the law, business, and technology of digital content. A business venture of Seso Digital LLC.