Bertelsmann n157Bertelsmann would face an onslaught of litigation and its Napster investment would prove to be an expensive "thorn in its side." n158 In [*109] February 2003, songwriters and composers sued Bertelsmann, claiming that the company perpetuated Napster with its investment. n159 Within four months, Universal Music Group, the world's largest record company, sued, claiming that Bertelsmann purposely attempted to continue the infringing free service so that there could be a smooth, uninterrupted transition to the subscription service. n160 A few weeks later, EMI filed suit against Bertelsmann for copyright infringement on third-party liability grounds. n161 The lawsuits claimed Bertelsmann had de facto control of Napster. n162 Bertelsmann contended it was not liable because it did not have an equity stake in the company, seats on its board, or otherwise control the company. n163 The companies were vying for upwards of $ 150,000 for each pirated song, a $ 17 billion liability for Bertelsmann. n164 Settlements followed.