A judge has granted the wish of both parties in a landmark illegal music downloading case to stop court-ordered settlement talks.
Judge Michael J. Davis appointed a "special master" in June to oversee efforts to reach a settlement between the Recording Industry Association of America and Jammie Thomas-Rasset of Brainerd. The recording companies had announced that they wanted a third trial in the illegal downloading case after Davis reduced a $1.92 million judgment against Thomas-Rasset to $54,000. A private mediator based in Minneapolis was appointed to "promote meaningful settlement discussions" before July 16.
Attorneys for the parties said they were too far apart to reach a settlement and in early July jointly sought to end talks. On Wednesday, Davis, chief judge of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota, granted that request.
The retrial is set for Oct. 4, according to court documents.
