Sony BMG Music Entertainment has agreed to license its digital music content to iMesh for distribution through iMesh’s peer-to-peer file-sharing network, the companies said.

Sony and iMesh executives called the deal a significant turning point in the legitimate use of p2p networks to distribute copyrighted digital content. "We are pleased to make our music available to the new iMesh as they build a service that will offer consumers a compelling experience and will respect our copyrights," said Thomas Hesse, president of Sony BMG’s Global Digital Business Group.

Due to launch later this year, the iMesh service will provide Sony’s authorized content through a la carte downloads and through a subscription plan that allows for unlimited music downloads. Fees have not been announced.

New York-based iMesh was founded in 1999 as one of the first p2p networks. After it settled a copyright infringement lawsuit with the recording industry last year, it transitioned to a commercial business model that guarantees payment to copyright holders.