THIS CLASS ACTION IS IN SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS THAT WILL IMPACT ANYONE IN THE UNITED STATES. LOOK FOR UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION HERE! THIS CASE CONSOLIDATES ALL OF THE FEDERAL CLASS ACTIONS INTO ONE CASE.

This class action was filed on November 14, 2005 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Sony BMG Music Entertainment is based, by attorney Scott A. Kamber on behalf of James Michaelson and Ori Edelstein. It has been combined with several other similar cases.

Mr. Michaelson lives in Illinois. He was infected with the First 4 Internet XCP Rootkit by a Neil Diamond CD. Mr. Edelstein lives in New Jersey. He purchased a Switchfoot CD but learned that it could infect his computer before he attempted to use it. He opened it, however, and the store he purchased it from will not allow him to return it.

The complaint is a national class action, and if the class is certified, will cover any individuals in the United States who:

  1. purchased a Sony BMG copy-protected CD, or
  2. who played the CD on a computer and were infected, and
  3. who do not opt out.

The complaint alleges violations of Federal Computer Fraud Law ( 18 USC §1030 ), Trespass, and Fraud. It seeks to:

  1. prohibit Sony BMG from unfairly competing,
  2. require Sony BMG to give up money it has made from the CDs,
  3. have Sony BMG return the money paid for the copy protected CDs,
  4. freeze the assets of Sony BMG,
  5. award damages to the plaintiffs,
  6. award attorney's fees,
  7. interest, and
  8. whatever else the court deems proper.

Court Documents:

  1. CONSOLIDATED AMENDED COMPLAINT [PDF]
  2. Origional Complaint [PDF]
  3. Settlement Agreement [PDF]
  4. Memorandum of Law in Support of the Settlement [PDF]
  5. Hearing Order [PDF]
  6. Motion for Settlement and Preliminary Approval thereof [LARGE PDF]
  7. Affadavit of Elizabeth C. Pritzker in Support of Above Motion [LARGE PDF]
  8. Motion to Approve Motion and Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' application for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement [LARGE PDF]
  9. Affadavit of Elizabeth C. Pritzer in Support of Above Motion [LARGE PDF]
  10. Notice of Errata [PDF]
  11. ORDER CERTIFYING CLASS [PDF]
  12. Motion for Exclusion from Settlement Class and Release from Temporary Restraining Order [PDF]
  13. Agreed Motion to Modify the Settlement Agreement and Notice Forms [PDF]
  14. Notice of Appeal [PDF]


Court Docket (Updated 02/06/06):

  1. 11/14/2005
    COMPLAINT against Sony BMG Music, Inc., First 4 Internet. (Filing Fee $ 250.00, Receipt Number 561477)Document filed by James Michaelson, Ori Edelstein.(es, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 11/17/2005 (mbe, ). (Entered: 11/15/2005)
     
  2. 11/14/2005
    SUMMONS ISSUED as to Sony BMG Music, Inc., First 4 Internet. (es, ) (Entered: 11/15/2005)
     
  3. 11/14/2005
    Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein is so designated. (es, ) (Entered: 11/15/2005)
     
  4. 11/14/2005
    Case Designated ECF. (es, ) (Entered: 11/15/2005)
     
  5. 11/23/2005
    FILING ERROR - ELECTRONIC FILING FOR NON-ECF DOCUMENT - JOINT MOTION to Consolidate Cases 1:05-cv-09607; 1:05-cv-9598; 1:05-cv-09609 (STIPULATION AND [PROPOSED] CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER NUMBER 1). Document filed by James Michaelson. (Kamber, Scott) Modified on 12/1/2005 (kg). (Entered: 11/23/2005)
     
  6. 11/30/2005
    CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE of Summons and Complaint. Sony BMG Music, Inc. served on 11/17/2005, answer due 12/7/2005. Service was accepted by Jeffrey Jacobson, Esq.. Document filed by James Michaelson. (Kamber, Scott) (Entered: 11/30/2005)
     
  7. 11/30/2005
    NOTICE of Appearance by Scott Adam Kamber on behalf of all plaintiffs (Kamber, Scott) (Entered: 11/30/2005)
     
  8. 12/1/2005
    ***NOTE TO ATTORNEY TO RE-FILE DOCUMENT - NON-ECF DOCUMENT ERROR. Note to Attorney Scott Kamber to E-MAIL pdf copy to orders_and_judgments@nysd.uscourts.gov Document No. 2 Stipulation and [Proposed] Case Management Order Number 1. This document is not filed via ECF. (kg) (Entered: 12/01/2005)
     
  9. 12/1/2005
    STIPULATION (Case Managment Order Order Number 1; that the terms of this Order shall apply to 05cv9575, 05cv9598(LAK), 05cv9607(GBD), and 05cv9609(UA) and are referred to herein as the Consolidated action. Each document filed by a party to this litigation shall bear the caption as set forth in this Order. The Terms of this Order shall apply to actions later instituted in, removed to, or transferred to this Court that involve the same or substantially similar issues of law and fact, subject to the procedures that are set forth herein; a status conference is set for 12/22/05 @3:30 p.m. (Signed by Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on 12/1/05) (pl, ) (Entered: 12/02/2005)
     
  10. 12/1/2005
    Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines: Status Conference set for 12/22/2005 03:30 PM before Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald. (pl, ) (Entered: 12/02/2005)
     
  11. 12/6/2005
    NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey S. Jacobson on behalf of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sony Corporation of America (Jacobson, Jeffrey) (Entered: 12/06/2005)
     
  12. 12/7/2005
    AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE of Notice of Appearance of Jeffrey S. Jacobson, Esq. (Debevoise & Plimpton) served on David Nester, Esq. (Nester & Constance, P.C.), Daniel Lynch, Esq. (Cirignani Heller Harman & Lynch), Jonathan K. Levine, Esq. (Girard Gibbs & De Bartolomeo LLP) and Robert I. Lax, Esq. (Robert I. Lax & Associates) on December 6 and 7, 2005. Service was made by Mail. Document filed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sony Corporation of America. Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Jacobson, Jeffrey) (Entered: 12/07/2005)
  13. 12/21/2005
    STIPULATION: the time for defendant Sony BMG MusicEntertainment GP and all other defendants to answer or otherwise respond to the complaint (subject to Case Management Order No.1) is extended to to 1/18/06. (Signed by Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on 12/21/05) Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB,1:05-cv-10190-NRB(db, ) (Entered: 12/22/2005)
  14. 12/21/2005
    Set Answer Due Date purs. to 8 Stipulation and Order, as to First 4 Internet answer due on 1/18/2006. (db, ) (Entered: 12/22/2005)
  15. 12/27/2005
    MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Aaron M. Sheanin to Appear Pro Hac Vice; w/ attch. affidavit in support. Document filed by James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (pl, ) (Entered: 12/29/2005)
  16. 12/28/2005
    [VIEW LARGE PDF] MOTION for Settlement and Preliminary Approval thereof . Document filed by Dora Rivas. Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Levine, Jonathan) (Entered: 12/28/2005)
  17. 12/28/2005
    [VIEW LARGE PDF] AFFIDAVIT of Elizabeth C. Pritzker in Support re: 9 MOTION for Settlement and Preliminary Approval thereof.. Document filed by Dora Rivas. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Part 2 of 4 of Pritzker Affidavit# 2 Affidavit Part 3 of 4 of Pritzker Affidavit# 3 Affidavit Part 4 of 4 of Pritzker Affidavit)Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Levine, Jonathan) (Entered: 12/28/2005)
  18. 12/28/2005
    [VIEW LARGE PDF] MOTION to Approve (Motion and Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Application for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement). Document filed by Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher, James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer. (Attachments: # 1 [Proposed] Hearing Order)Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Seidman, Peter) (Entered: 12/28/2005)
  19. 12/28/2005
    [VIEW LARGE PDF] AFFIDAVIT of Elizabeth C. Pritzer in Support re: 11 MOTION to Approve (Motion and Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Application for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement).. Document filed by James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit C (1 of 3)# 2 Exhibit C (2 of 3)# 3 Exhibit C (3 of 3))Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Seidman, Peter) (Entered: 12/28/2005)
  20. 12/28/2005
    [VIEW LARGE PDF] NOTICE of Errata re: 9 MOTION for Settlement and Preliminary Approval thereof.. Document filed by Dora Rivas. (Levine, Jonathan) (Entered: 12/28/2005)
  21. 12/28/2005
    [VIEW PDF] CONSOLIDATED AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT amending 1 Complaint against Arista Holdings Inc., Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sony Corporation of America, Sony BMG Music, Inc., First 4 Internet.Document filed by James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. Related document: 1 Complaint filed by James Michaelson,, Ori Edelstein. Received in the night deposit box on 12/28/05 at 5:58 p.m..(sac, ) (Entered: 12/29/2005)
  22. 12/30/2005
    AFFIDAVIT of Jonathan Levine in Support re: 14 MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Aaron M. Sheanin to Appear Pro Hac Vice.. Document filed by James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter et al. (cd, ) (Entered: 01/03/2006)
  23. 1/6/2006
    [VIEW PDF] ORDER that the court for settlement purposes only, hereby conditionally certifies purs. to Rule 23(a) and Rules 23(b)(2) and 23(b)(3) of the FRCP a class consisting of the named plaintiffs in the action as further set forth in this order; the court sets a hearing to take place on 5/22/06 at 9:15 a.m. at 500 Pearl Street, room 2270; the court directs that the settlement class be given notice of the proposed settlement as further set forth in this order; Sony BMG on or before 2/15/06 shall cause the Full Settlement Notice to be sent by e-mail; plaintiffs and all members of the settlement class are, until the Fairness Hearing, barred and enjoined as further set forth in this order; Sony BMG on or before 2/15/06 shall post the full notice on its website; (signed by Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on 1/6/06) (dle, ) (Entered: 01/11/2006)
  24. 1/9/2006
    [VIEW PDF] NOTICE of Re Pro Hac Vice Applicants. Document filed by Dora Rivas. (Levine, Jonathan) (Entered: 01/09/2006)
  25. 1/18/2006
    [SORRY, I CAN'T AFFORD TO ORDER THIS DOCUMENT] TRANSCRIPT of proceedings held on 1/6/06 before Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald. (lma, ) (Entered: 01/18/2006)
  26. 1/18/2006
    MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Daniel C. Girard to Appear Pro Hac Vice.Document filed by Mark Lyon, James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (db, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 1/25/2006 (db, ). (Entered: 01/25/2006)
  27. 1/18/2006
    MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Elizabeth C. Pritzker to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Document filed by Mark Lyon, James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (db, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 1/25/2006 (db, ). (Entered: 01/25/2006)
  28. 1/20/2006
    SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED Summons and Amended Complaint,, served. SunnComm International Inc. served on 1/6/2006, answer due 1/26/2006. Service was accepted by Albert Golusin, Director, accepted service on behalf of Sunncomm International Inc. Document filed by James Michaelson; Jeffrey Potter; Dora Rivas; Andrew Klewan; Ori Edelstein; James Springer; Edwin Bonner; Joseph Halpin; Robert Hull; John Maletta; Tom Ricciuti; Yvonne Ricciuti; Mary Schumacher. Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Seidman, Peter) (Entered: 01/20/2006)
  29. 1/23/2006
    ORDER ADMITTING ATTORNEY PRO HAC VICE. Attorney Daniel C. Girard for James Michaelson and Jeffrey Potter admitted Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on 1/23/06) (db, ) (Entered: 01/24/2006)
  30. 1/23/2006
    ORDER ADMITTING ATTORNEY PRO HAC VICE. Attorney Elizabeth Pritzker for James Michaelson and Jeffrey Potter admitted Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on 1/23/06) (db, ) (Entered: 01/24/2006)
  31. 1/23/2006
    [VIEW PDF] MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Exlusion from Settlement Class and Release From Temporary Restraining Order. Document filed by Mark Lyon. (jmi, ) (Entered: 01/24/2006)
  32. 1/23/2006
    AFFIDAVIT of Daniel C. Girard in Support re: 25 MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Daniel C. Girard to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Document filed by Mark Lyon, James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (db, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 1/25/2006 (db, ). (Entered: 01/25/2006)
  33. 1/23/2006
    AFFIDAVIT of Jonathan K. Levine in Support re: 25 MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Daniel C. Girard to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Document filed by Mark Lyon, James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (db, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 1/25/2006 (db, ). (Entered: 01/25/2006)
  34. 1/23/2006
    AFFIDAVIT of Elizabeth C. Pritzker in Support re: 28 MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Elizabeth C. Pritzker to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Document filed by Mark Lyon, James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (db, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 1/25/2006 (db, ). (Entered: 01/25/2006)
  35. 1/23/2006
    AFFIDAVIT of Jonathan K. Levine in Support re: 28 MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for Elizabeth C. Pritzker to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Document filed by Mark Lyon, James Michaelson, Jeffrey Potter, Dora Rivas, Andrew Klewan, Ori Edelstein, James Springer, Edwin Bonner, Joseph Halpin, Robert Hull, John Maletta, Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (db, ) Additional attachment(s) added on 1/25/2006 (db, ). (Entered: 01/25/2006)
  36. 2/1/2006
    [VIEW PDF] CONSENT MOTION to Amend/Correct 19 Order,,, To Modify The Settlement Agreement And Notice Forms. Document filed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Jacobson, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/01/2006)
  37. 2/1/2006
    MEMORANDUM OF LAW in Support re: 32 CONSENT MOTION to Amend/Correct 19 Order,,, To Modify The Settlement Agreement And Notice Forms.. Document filed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)Filed In Associated Cases: 1:05-cv-09575-NRB,1:05-cv-09598-NRB,1:05-cv-09607-NRB,1:05-cv-09609-NRB(Jacobson, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/01/2006)
  38. 2/1/2006
    ORDER; the Court hereby amends the Settlement Agreement and the Hearing Order,nunc pro tunc 1/6/06, in the manner that is set forth in this Order. (Signed by Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on 2/1/06) (pl, ) (Entered: 02/01/2006)
  39. 2/3/2006
    MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for an order, admitting Lawrence E. Feldman to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Document filed by Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (sac, ) (Entered: 02/06/2006)
  40. 2/3/2006
    MOTION (FILED ON SERVICE DATE) for an order, admitting Cindy A. Cohn to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Document filed by Tom Ricciuti, Yvonne Ricciuti, Mary Schumacher. (sac, ) (Entered: 02/06/2006)