Universal to Offer Restraint-Free Music

Aug 10, 04:55 PM

Current Headlines: Universal Music Group said it will sell thousands of titles in an unrestricted digital format through U.S. online stores -- except Apple's iTunes.

The label, headquartered in New York and Santa Monica, Calif., said Thursday it would begin selling current and back albums without anti-piracy software through online retail partners such as Best Buy Co., Wal-Mart and Amazon.com, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. The world's largest music company's stable is diverse, including artists such as 50 Cent, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse and the late Johnny Cash.

Universal's action, seen as an effort to blunt Apple's influence in the music industry, accomplished what consumer clamoring could not -- removal anti-piracy software that prevents people from illegally sharing music.

Universal Music Chief Executive Officer Doug Morris said in a statement the absence of iTunes would offer a control group during a Aug. 21-Jan. 31 test period to provide valuable insights into the implications of selling our music in an open format.

But people familiar with Universal's strategy say the motivation also is to help Apple's competitors within the music industry. Apple is the No. 3 music retailer overall.