Hot on the heels of the MPAA's recent copyright enforcement actions, the RIAA has filed 750 potential lawsuits against alleged P2P pirates. These actions are part of the RIAA's (Recording Industry Association of America) long term and ongoing efforts against unauthorized file-sharing.

Like previous efforts against online music sharers, these actions are filed as "John Doe" lawsuits. Since the RIAA cannot subpoena Internet Service Providers (ISPs) directly for the alleged pirate's identity, the RIAA must file "John Doe" lawsuits against the suspect's IP address. From there, the court can order a subpoena in which an ISP must then divulge the alleged pirate's identity.

At that point, the identified individual has two choices. Depending on the amount of file provided for upload, the individual has the option to settle for approximately $3,000 to $4,000. Alternatively, the individual can fight the complaint, and challenge the lawsuit in court. The latter alternative is currently being tested; the success or failure of which will likely determine how future lawsuit recipients weigh their options.

"Songlifters", as Cary Sherman puts it, were once again the target of the RIAA's latest round.

“For legal online services to continue to break new ground, we must do our part to protect the integrity of the marketplace,” said Cary Sherman, President, RIAA. “Just as we continue to educate fans about the right ways to enjoy music online, we will continue to enforce our rights through the legal system. Songlifting is not without consequences.”

The term "Songlifting” appears to more narrowly define who is being targeted. A "songlifter" implies one who uploads; while presumable a "songdropper" would be the contrary.

Interpreting colloquialisms aside, the recent barrage of lawsuits specifies individuals in major metropolitan areas, such as New York, Long Island, Phoenix, Amarillo, Seattle and Greenbay.

It's interesting to note the RIAA's press releases are trying to give more character to their enforcement actions by specifically naming hometown cities - both large and small. It remains to be seen whether these changes will be able to garner the same attention the MPAA’s actions have been able to muster.

This story is filed in these Slyck News categories
Entertainment Industry :: RIAA
Legal/Courtroom :: Individual Lawsuits

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