History of Napster in Timeline

Napster was a pioneering peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing application, founded by Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker, that revolutionized digital music distribution. Launched in 1999, it enabled users to easily share MP3 audio files. Its rapid popularity, however, led to significant copyright infringement lawsuits from the music industry. These legal challenges ultimately forced Napster to shut down in 2001 and declare bankruptcy in 2002. Despite its short lifespan, Napster profoundly impacted the music industry and paved the way for future digital music services.

June 1, 1999: Napster Platform Launch

On June 1, 1999, the Napster platform, a peer-to-peer file sharing application, was originally launched by Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker.

June 1999: Napster Service Launch

In June 1999, Napster was envisioned and founded by Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker as a peer-to-peer file sharing service.

December 6, 1999: RIAA Files Lawsuit Against Napster

On December 6, 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) filed a lawsuit against Napster for facilitating the transfer of copyrighted material, leading to increased publicity and millions of new users.

April 13, 2000: Metallica Files Lawsuit Against Napster

On April 13, 2000, Metallica filed a lawsuit against Napster after their song "I Disappear" and their entire back catalogue were found circulating on the network before the official release.

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July 2000: Radiohead's Kid A Tracks Appear on Napster

In July 2000, tracks from Radiohead's album Kid A appeared on Napster three weeks before the album's release.

October 2000: Kid A Reaches Number One on Billboard 200

In October 2000, Radiohead's Kid A captured the number one spot on the Billboard 200 sales chart in its debut week, suggesting Napster could be a good promotional tool for music.

2000: RIAA Sues Napster

In 2000, A&M Records, along with other recording companies through the RIAA, sued Napster for copyright infringement under the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

2000: Bertelsmann Collaboration

In 2000, Bertelsmann became the first major label to drop its copyright lawsuit against Napster and began collaborating with the company.

2000: Macintosh Client Developed for Napster

In 2000, Black Hole Media developed a Macintosh client called Macster, which was later acquired by Napster and renamed as the official Mac Napster client.

2000: Artists Defend Napster as a Promotional Tool

Since 2000, many unsigned musical artists have stated that Napster and similar networks helped get their music heard and improved their sales. DJ Xealot and Chuck D from Public Enemy publicly defended Napster as a promotional tool.

February 2001: Peak Napster Use and Settlement Proposal

In February 2001, Napster's verified usage peaked at 26.4 million users worldwide. In the same month, Napster proposed a settlement to record labels, offering $1 billion over five years via a subscription service.

March 5, 2001: Injunction Issued Against Napster

On March 5, 2001, following a failed appeal, an injunction was issued ordering Napster to prevent the trading of copyrighted music on its network.

March 2001: Napster Settles Lawsuits with Metallica and Dr. Dre

In March 2001, Napster settled lawsuits with both Metallica and Dr. Dre, after being shut down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals due to a separate lawsuit.

July 11, 2001: Napster Shuts Down Network

On July 11, 2001, Napster shut down its entire network to comply with an injunction to prevent the trading of copyrighted music.

July 2001: Napster Service Shutdown

In July 2001, Napster had to close down its service after not being able to comply with a court order to restrict access to infringing material, despite an appeal.

September 24, 2001: Partial Settlement Reached

On September 24, 2001, Napster reached a partial settlement, agreeing to pay music creators and copyright owners $26 million for past unauthorized uses and $10 million in advance licensing royalties.

2001: Napster Ceases Operations

In 2001, Napster ceased operations after losing multiple lawsuits related to copyright infringement.

May 17, 2002: Bertelsmann to Acquire Napster

On May 17, 2002, Napster announced that its assets would be acquired by German media firm Bertelsmann for $85 million to transform Napster into an online music subscription service.