RIAA Lauds State Criminal Action Against A Peer-To-Peer Hub Operator

August 26, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC – [Today, Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley announced a guilty plea of conspiracy to commit grant theft in the first criminal Internet file-sharing case brought in California. According to the DA's office, the individual involved ran an Internet file-sharing hub that allowed users to trade large amounts of music, movies, television shows, and games with others. The Recording Industry Association of America issued the following statement from Brad Buckles, Executive Vice President, Anti-Piracy.]

"With the conviction of a peer-to-peer operator for conspiracy to commit grand theft, California law enforcement officials have taken a strong stand to protect the thousands of artists, songwriters, sound engineers and producers whose work is threatened by the online theft of music. This action sends a clear message that the illegal distribution of music and other content to millions of Internet users around the world is stealing and will be treated as seriously as the theft of physical property.

“The online theft of music – whether on rogue file-sharing networks or in piracy distribution groups – directly affects our ability to invest in new bands and new music that fans want to hear. Along with our partners in the music community, many of whom live and work in the Los Angeles area, we applaud the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and the Southern California High Tech Task Force for their commitment to the enforcement of our intellectual property laws.”

For more information on today’s announcement, please see:
http://da.co.la.ca.us/mr/082605b.htm

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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.