More Copyright Infringement Lawsuits Brought Against Illegal File Sharers

WASHINGTON - May 24, 2004 - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today brought its latest round of legal action against online copyright infringement, filing lawsuits against 493 additional illegal file sharers.

As with all the lawsuits filed so far this year, the RIAA is utilizing the “John Doe” litigation process, which is used to sue defendants whose names are not known. In addition to the “John Doe” lawsuits against 493 illegal file sharers, the RIAA, on behalf of the nation’s leading record companies, brought a lawsuit against 24 named defendants -- individuals who were identified through “John Doe” litigations and then declined or ignored a RIAA overture to settle the case before it proceed any further.

Lawsuits were filed in several major federal courts across the country, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Texas.

“Our continuing objective is to send a message of deterrence, protect the rights of property owners, and foster environment where the legitimate marketplace, both online and at retail, can flourish,” said Cary Sherman, President, RIAA.

Third-party analyses, such as surveys by the Pew Internet and American Life Project and The NPD Group, have documented the impact of the music community’s education and enforcement campaign. Sherman added, “We’re gratified by the results we have seen so far, but the scope of the piracy problem continues to be significant. We need to continue our enforcement efforts. They are an important but complementary piece to the principal strategy of offering fans compelling legitimate alternatives.”

Sherman also said that the RIAA and its member companies stand eager and willing to settle the lawsuits expeditiously. “We will continue to go the extra mile and seek to resolve these cases in a fair and reasonable manner. That’s in the best interests of everyone involved.”

Following the release of updated data from Pew documenting the overall decline in illicit peer-to-peer usage, a survey by The NPD Group released last week found that the number of CD buyers using a legal online service to purchase music tripled in the first quarter of 2004, compared to the same time period in 2003. “Among music buyers who purchased both physical CDs and a song download from a legal service, the likelihood that they also downloaded a song illegally fell dramatically, from 64 percent last year to 42 percent in 2004,” according to The NPD Group.

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.