Illegal File Sharing Targeted In Wave Of New Lawsuits

Peer-to-Peer Network Users On Campuses In Massachusetts, Iowa, Virginia and the District of Columbia Sued

WASHINGTON - November 18, 2004 - The music industry’s campaign to deter online music theft and foster an environment where legitimate online services can flourish continued today with a new round of copyright infringement lawsuits against 761 illegal file sharers.

As before, illegal file sharing on college campuses was a focus. Twenty-five of the lawsuits brought by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), on behalf of the major record companies, were against individuals using a university Internet connection to illegal distribute music files on unauthorized peer-to-peer services such as eDonkey, Limewire and Kazaa.

The university networks used by the 25 individuals who were sued today include: American University, Amherst College, Assumption College, Boston College, Boston University, Bridgewater State College, Emerson College, Iowa State University, James Madison University, Mount Holyoke College, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts.

Cary Sherman, President, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), pointed to new partnerships between universities and legitimate music services as an example of the continuing positive developments that have resulted partly from the record industry’s legal strategy. “During the fall, we have seen a flurry of additional agreements between schools and legal online music providers,” said Sherman. “That’s exciting news for the university, students, and all those involved in the creative chain of making and distributing music. The lawsuits are an essential educational tool. They remind music fans about the law and provide incentives to university administrators to offer legal alternatives.”

“College students are some of most avid music fans,” added Sherman. “The music habits and customs they develop now are likely to stay with them for life. It’s especially important for us to educate them about the law, the harm suffered by musicians, labels and retailers alike when music is stolen, and the great legal ways to enjoy music online.”

Sherman also said that the recent study from Ipsos-Insight is a useful reminder that “enforcement is always a means to an end – creating environments where legal businesses can gain a foothold in the marketplace and succeed.”

November data from Ipsos-Insight showed the percentage of Americans who have paid a fee to download music off the Internet has climbed 150 percent since late 2003.

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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.