The aim behind copy-protected CDs is to limit the types of devices that the CD can be played on and copied to. Of most concern to the record labels is the ability to play music on a computer, with the likelihood that the CD will then be copied onto a computer hard drive, and the copyrighted music then made available over the internet to users of peer-to-peer file-sharing systems.
But customers do not like such limitations; they want to be able to play their legitimately purchased CDs wherever and on whatever they like.
One solution is the development of so-called "double session" CDs, containing two copies of each song, each copy of which can be played on a different device. The trouble, according to a report by CNET News.com, is that music publishers and songwriters are now demanding additional royalties for the second copy of the song.
Songwriters and music publishers generally get paid per song sold or played in royalty payments. But because millions of double session CDs have already been sold, a successful claim could result in a massive back payment – and the record labels are unwilling to pay.