XMAS comes early in Michigan

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Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox Announces Music Returns

Url: http://www.musiccdsettlement.com


Dozens of non-profit groups, public schools, libraries, and domestic violence shelters will receive more than 194,000 music CDs as the result of a settlement in a class-action suit, Attorney General Mike Cox announced today. Additionally, 79,229 Michigan claimants who registered a claim between December 2002 and March 2003 will soon be seeing a $13.86 payment as a result of the settlement.

"Michigan consumers need to be protected from unfair trade practices," Cox said. "My office will be vigilant in making sure that companies do business fairly with their customers."

The settlement stems from a lawsuit in which the plaintiffs alleged that several music retailers and distributors conspired to raise the prices of certain prerecorded music products by implementing Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policies -- a violation of state and federal laws. The defendants agreed to settle the lawsuit, but they denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

While many states chose to send CDs exclusively to libraries and schools, Cox said he opted to distribute the CDs in a way that would reach a broader number of listeners. In addition, the CDs will be distributed to American military members to acknowledge their service.

A total of 52 domestic violence shelters are slated to receive 100 CDs each, with classical, roots and holiday music. Troops stationed overseas will receive 11,000 CDs through the USO, compliments of the citizens of Michigan. Those titles include hip-hop, country and rock artists.

Michigan schools and libraries will receive the bulk of the CD distribution, with more than 176,000 CDs of all musical genres.

Members of the settlement group included those who purchased prerecorded music products (compact discs, cassettes and vinyl albums) from retailers during the period January 1, 1995, through December 22, 2000.

"I am pleased we are able to reimburse all the families and children who were overcharged on CD purchases," Cox said. "I am sure that our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen will appreciate Michigan's 'Thank You' with these CDs."

For updates and complete settlement information, please visit:
http://www.musiccdsettlement.com .