Sony BMG, XM reach deal on Pioneer Inno

The deal could be a sign that the satellite radio provider's legal woes surrounding the recording functionality of some of its receivers may be waning.

Pioneer's portable XM receiver was one of the devices targeted by the RIAA in its suit filed in May 2006. At the time, the recording industry representatives accused XM of committing "massive wholesale infringement."

XM shot back, accusing the RIAA of using suits to gain leverage in licensing contract negotiations. It is unknown what terms XM agreed to, as those were not disclosed by either party.

Universal has already settled with XM, signing an agreement in December of last year. Again terms of the deal were not disclosed there as well, and Warner Music settled shortly afterwards.

It is unknown whether talks with EMI are under way or what their status may be. However, with three of the four majors already signed on to multi-year deals with XM, it's unlikely that the fourth of the "big four" labels would continue to hold out.

Sony BMG counts among its artist catalog hit acts such as Daughtry, The Fray, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, and Bob Dylan, who has his own radio show on the service.