eDonkey is the latest of the top P2P firms to reach terms with RIAA and exit the file sharing software business. MetaMachine, owner of eDonkey, settled for $30 million to avoid copyright infringement lawsuits. There is no mention about whether eDonkey can or will be able to pay this amount.

The company immediately stopped distribution of all software versions and agreed to prevent currently installed software from sharing files. MetaMachine had received a case and desist letter last year. The change will have minimal impact on the eDonkey file sharing network. Most eDonkey network users use the free open source software emule, not eDonkey.

The software web site now displays the following simple text message:

The eDonkey2000 Network is no longer available.

If you steal music or movies, you are breaking the law.

Courts around the world -- including the United States Supreme Court --
have ruled that businesses and individuals can be prosecuted for illegal
downloading.

You are not anonymous when you illegally download copyrighted material.

Your IP address is xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx and has been logged.

Respect the music, download legally.

Other coverage

eDonkey Firm To Pay RIAA $30M
Betanews

MetaMachine To Pay $30M To RIAA And Cease Distribution
CD Freaks

eDonkey Maker To Pay $30M Settlement
Forbes

eDonkey Settles For $30M
MP3.Com

Firm Behind eDonkey To Pay $30 Million To Avoid Piracy Claims
San Jose Mercury News

eDonkey Settles For $30 Million
Slyck

Firm Behind eDonkey To Pay $30 Million To Avoid RIAA Suit
Wall Street Journal

eDonkey Is Dead, Long Live eMule
Wired Blogs