WebProNews

Former Grokster head Wayne Rosso now runs Mashboxx, as it becomes the first P2P application with a major label distribution license.

Users of the Mashboxx application who find Sony BMG music on the various file-sharing networks will be able to play that song a limited number of times before being prompted to pay 99 cents for it.

"We're pleased to be working with Wayne and the Mashboxx team as they introduce their new service with the aim of meeting the needs of music fans, while at the same time protecting artists and their work," commented Andrew Lack, CEO, Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

Sony BMG previously signed a deal with Snocap, the venture started by Napster creator Shawn Fanning. Snocap provides identification and digital copyright management services to music publishers.

Mashboxx will utilize the Snocap technology in its service. This may be a shock to P2P users coming over from other file-sharing systems when they first see a Play or a Buy button after searching for a track.

Mr. Rosso's former company just lost its Supreme Court case, as the high court unanimously found Grokster promoted itself with the intent of allowing users to avoid copyright restrictions, thus becoming liable for illicit trading by its users.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.