Limewire shutdown its popular file-sharing software in October after a federal court ruled against it for copyright violation. The company continued to run a legitimate digital music store, selling music from small, independent labels. It has decided to shut that service down as well, though the reasons are unclear.

Peter Kafka at MediaMemo thinks the decision is an attempt to shore up some cash against the impending January court ruling to determine how much Limewire owes the record labels listed in the October suit. It’s strange though, since Limewire had been talking up its service just months ago.

In any case, it’s a bummer. I’m sure a lot of people will be sad to see Limewire, both legitimate and otherwise, go.