Music labels say nyet to downloaders

Suit contends songs sold without permission

By STUART LEVINE

Arista Records, Warner Bros., Capitol and UMG are suing a Russian-based musical downloading service, claiming its sites are providing songs to consumers without the labels' permission.

Mediaservices operates Allofmp3.com and allTunes.com, both of which are selling songs with royalties going to a Russian licensing group. The labels argue that the group doesn't have the authority to distribute royalties properly.

Alllofmp3.com sells albums for approximately $1 and charges only a few cents for individual songs, compared to iTunes, which sells albums for around $10.