RIAA Files New Copyright Infringement Lawsuits Against 754 Illegal File Sharers

Users of College Computer Networks At Columbia, Old Dominion, West Georgia, University of Pennsylvania, Westchester University And Widener University Among Those Sued

Washington - December 16, 2004 - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced today that its member companies filed a new wave of copyright infringement lawsuits against 754 individual file-sharers.

The “John Doe” litigations were filed in federal district courts across the country, including in: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, New York, Connecticut, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. A share of this wave of lawsuits was brought against users of university computer networks. Twenty individual file sharers at the following schools were sued today: Columbia University (New York), Old Dominion University, the State University of West Georgia, the University of Pennsylvania, Westchester University and Widener University (Pennsylvania).

Highlighting new research from Ipsos-Insight and Jupiter Media, which continue to document the increasing awareness and growing popularity of legal online music services, Cary Sherman, the RIAA’s President, said that “enforcement online or on the street is always a means to an end -- helping foster business environments where legitimate commerce can take route and flourish, while creators can earn their fair share. In a relatively brief time, a whole new online marketplace has emerged and begun to establish itself. New consumer offerings, including legitimate peer-to-peer distribution systems, are coming onto the scene every day, and the best is yet to come.”

“With legal online retailers still forced to compete against illegal free networks, the playing field remains decidedly unbalanced,” added Sherman. “That’s why continued enforcement against individuals stealing and distributing music illegally is essential, as is holding accountable the businesses that intentionally promote and profit from this theft.”

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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.