sure it's old news to some of you...
E-Data Sues Over Downloading Patent
August 4, 2004
http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/3390851
The E-Data intellectual property in question, U.S. patent No. 4,528,643, is known as "the Freeny patent." Although the patent was awarded before the rise of personal computers, CDs and MP3 players, Port Washington, N.Y.-based E-Data claims the Freeny patent covers the process of downloading media from a computer to such devices, as well as in-store kiosks. The Freeny patent expired in the U.S. in 2003, but still has almost a year before it expires in Europe. The company focused on licensing the patent abroad, and now has turned its attention back to the domestic scene. ."
While it can no longer demand license fees, it can ask for money for prior use of the technology. It also can sue for damages caused by infringement in the last six years