Under terms announced on August 21, San Diego-based MP3.com will pay an undisclosed amount to Sony for past violations and enter into a non-exclusive North American license for use of Sony’s songs in the company’s MyMP3.com listening service.

“This settlement affirms and upholds the right of copyright owners to be paid for the use of their works on the Internet,” Senior VP Sony Music Entertainment Al Smith said. “Sony Music has always understood that changes in technology create new ways for consumers to experience entertainment. This licensing agreement with MP3.com is one of a number of initiatives that we have underway to enhance music fans’ experience in an environment that protects intellectual property rights.”

MP3.com’s president, Robin Richards, who has served as chief negotiator during settlement talks, said the leveraging of MP3.com’s technology with Sony Music’s content means consumers are “closer to getting what they’ve been asking for – a powerful, easy-to-use online listening experience.”

MP3.com previously reached settlements with Warner Music Group, BMG and EMI. It is still negotiating with Universal Music Group.

The settlement comes one week before both sides in the lawsuit are due back in court. A federal judge has ruled that a trial is still necessary to decide whether MP3.com willfully infringed on copyrights of major record companies by letting people store copied songs on its computers. The case is set to resume August 28.

Earlier this year, MP3.com said it has reserved $150 million to pay for legal settlements with music companies and music publishers.