New Round of Illegal File Sharing Lawsuits Brought By RIAA

Complaints Filed In Denver, St. Louis and Washington, D.C

WASHINGTON - June 22, 2004 - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today filed a new round of legal action against individual file sharers, including copyright infringement lawsuits against 213 individuals in St. Louis, 55 in Denver and 206 in Washington, D.C.

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. A total of 482 illegal file sharers face copyright infringement lawsuits. In addition to St. Louis, Denver and Washington, D.C., the remaining eight complaints were filed in New Jersey.

“It’s as important as ever that we continue to enforce our rights and ensure that fans enjoy digital music in a fashion that supports the creative process rather than one that robs it of its future,” said Steven Marks, General Counsel, RIAA. “The online marketplace has changed dramatically since we began this campaign. Legitimate music services are the wave of the future.”

“Illegal downloading continues to cause enormous harm to the entire music community,” added Marks. “We must stay on the path of education, enforcement, and offering great legal services.”

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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.