NEW: RIAA Comment on Verdict in Capitol Records v. Jammie Thomas-Rasset

June 18, 2009

RIAA REACTION:

“We appreciate the jury's service and that they take this as seriously as we do. We are pleased that the jury agreed with the evidence and found the defendant liable. Since day one, we have been willing to settle this case and we remain willing to do so.”

 -- Cara Duckworth

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND FACTS ON THE CASE TO KEEP IN MIND

-Ms. Thomas-Rasset has now been found liable for copyright infringement twice by two separate juries of her own peers.

-She was caught downloading AND distributing more than 1700 songs via an illicit peer-to-peer network.  That’s the equivalent of standing on a street corner with approximately 150 CDs and giving away free copies to anyone who asks.

-The record companies brought legal action only on a representative sample of the songs (24) in an effort to be fair and reasonable.
 
-At the time of the infringement, there were more than 2.3 million users on the peer-to-peer network who had access to Ms. Thomas-Rasset’s 1,700 audio files.

-Despite numerous offers, Ms. Thomas-Rasset had repeatedly refused to settle and insisted on going to court twice.

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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.