MP3.com Found In Violation Of Copyright Laws

A Federal District Court Judge has today found that the Internet-based music service, MP3.com, is liable for infringing on the copyrights of the members of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). According to an Associated Press report, the order by United States District Court Judge Jed S. Rakoff, is being seen as a blow to the San Diego-based online music firm that allows users of allows users of its Web site to hear music and add to their personal music play list.

The RIAA, as well as various music artists, has contended that the MP3 business model did infringe on copyrighted protected recorded music.

While the District Court's decision has very little effect as a legal precedent, it will be binding on MP3.com unless overturned on appeal.

A lawyer for Warner Brothers Records was reported to have called the case a straightforward one of copyright infringement.

Michael Carlinsky, the attorney for MP3 is quoted as having said that his client was considering an appeal.

The court's order did not explain the reasoning behind the decision. That is expected to come in a written decision to be issued within the next two weeks.

Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com.