Andre Yoskowitz
23 Jun 2009 2:16
Gary Wade Leak, a Sony lawyer who was a star witness for the RIAA in the recent Jammie Thomas trial has said today that even he is "shocked" by the amount of money Thomas is now being forced to pay, a gigantic $1.92 million sum.
Speaking at an alumni event at Columbia University, Leak added: "We were shocked. I suspected we were going to win, but I really thought they would come in with a lower number."
However, during the trial, Leak made it very clear that the jury could charge the maximum $150,000 USD per song in damages, as it would be "certainly appropriate" given the circumstances.
Leak did admit that he expects the award to be reduced either in a settlement or on appeal, and it may be pushed back to the original award of $220,000 or even less.