Record labels win LimeWire copyright caseThe makers of file-sharing software LimeWire have been found liable for infringing the music copyrights of 13 major record companies.
In her ruling, US District Judge Kimba Wood agreed with the record companies that LimeWire and its founder Mark Gorton were liable for infringement and engaging in unfair competition.
New York-based LimeWire was created in 2000 and describes it as the world's most popular peer-to-peer file-sharing service, with more than 50 million monthly users.
According to a NDP Group survey, these users accounted for 58 per cent of all peer-to-peer users in 2009.
"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," Judge Wood said.
She added Mr Gorton knew about the copyright infringement.
The lawsuit was filed in August 2006 by Arista, Atlantic, BMG Music, Capital, Elektra, Interscope, LaFace, Motown, Priority, Sony BMG, UMG, Virgin and Warner Brothers.
LimeWire chief executive George Searle says the company "strongly opposes" Judge Wood's ruling and is committed to working with the recording industry to develop products that help music listeners.
Recording Industry of Association of America (RIAA) chief executive Mitch Bainwol says the court's decision 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," he said.
Judge Wood set a June 1 date for further proceedings in the case.
- Reuters
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/13/2898311.htm?section=justin 
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So true..