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Michigan Man Loses Key Court Ruling In Pandora Case

LANSING (AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court may have dealt a blow to a man who accuses Pandora of illegally sharing his music tastes with others on the internet.

A federal appeals court asked the Michigan court if Peter Deacon qualifies as a "customer" who rents or borrows music from Pandora. The answer is important because Deacon claims Pandora violated state privacy law by sharing his preferences.

In a unanimous decision Wednesday, the Supreme Court says Deacon isn't a customer under the law because no money changed hands. Deacon apparently chose the free version of Pandora's service.

Deacon's lawsuit against Pandora was dismissed in 2012 by a federal judge in California. He is appealing.

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