RIAA Brings Lawsuits Against 762 Illegal File Sharers

WASHINGTON - September 30, 2004 - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today filed copyright infringement lawsuits against more than 700 illegal file sharers, including individuals at 26 different universities across the country.

As part of legal action against 762 total illegal file sharers, 32 individuals at 26 different schools were sued by the major record companies for using their university networks to illegally distribute copyrighted sound recordings on unauthorized peer-to-peer services. During the past four years, illegal file sharing, particularly on college campuses, has been rampant. This and other forms of piracy are at the root of the music industry’s multi-billion dollar drop in CD sales -- a decline which has led to thousands of layoffs at the record companies and huge declines in royalty income for artists, songwriters, producers and other creators.

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 762 illegal file sharers today, last week the RIAA, on behalf of the record companies, brought lawsuits against 68 named defendants. These are individuals who were identified through the litigation process and then declined or ignored an RIAA overture to settle the case before it proceeded any further.

Cary Sherman, the RIAA’s president, said the lawsuits against university network users were designed to drive home the message to students that unauthorized downloading has consequences and that great legitimate alternatives are available. “We want music fans to enjoy music online, but in a fashion that compensates everyone who worked to create that music.”

“There have been many exciting developments on the university front in recent months,” added Sherman. “An ever-expanding number of school administrators, often at the behest of students, are signing partnerships with legitimate online music services. Students get the benefit of high-quality, legal music while schools get to spend less time worrying about their students getting into trouble. It is a win-win for everyone.”

The illegal file sharers sued in this round were using a variety of unauthorized peer-to-peer platforms, including eDonkey, Kazaa and LimeWire.

The individuals included in today’s legal action were on the networks of the following universities: Appalachian State University, Augsburg College, Claremont McKenna College, Colgate University, College on Mount Saint Vincent, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Hampton University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Kean College, Kent State, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, Minnesota State University, New York University, Pacific Lutheran University, Portland State University, St. John’s University, Stanford University, State University of West Georgia, SUNY College at Old Westbury, University of Connecticut, University of Louisville, University of the South, Virginia State University, and Western Illinois University.

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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.