Record Labels Triumph In Piracy Case

Executives at major record labels including Atlantic, Sony BMG and Warner Brothers are celebrating after winning a key victory in the battle against music piracy - a judge in New York has ruled against bosses of a file-sharing company.

Music industry chiefs representing 13 labels teamed up to file a joint lawsuit in 2006, accusing the makers of file-sharing software LimeWire of infringing music copyright.

The New York-based company created a program which allows internet users to swap files and the system now boasts more than 50 million monthly customers.

Record label executives claimed the software was being used to swap copyrighted music files, and now a U.S. judge has agreed - ruling on Tuesday (11May10) that LimeWire bosses have assisted illegal downloads.

U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood states, “The evidence demonstrates that LimeWire optimised LimeWire’s features to ensure that users can download digital recordings, the majority of which are protected by copyright, and that LimeWire assisted users in committing infringement.”

Recording Industry of Association of America (RIAA) chief executive Mitch Bainwol is delighted with the ruling, adding, “(This is) an important milestone in the creative community’s fight to reclaim the internet as a platform for legitimate commerce.

“The court has sent a clear signal to those who think they can devise and profit from a piracy scheme that will escape accountability.”

The case will head back to court on 1 June (10), when the future of LimeWire will likely be decided.