Andre Yoskowitz
2 Jul 2009 2:39
The RIAA has won a case against Usenet.com, the popular company used for file sharing via newsgroups.
The federal ruling, by Judge Harold Baer Jr. of New York, found Usenet.com liable for copyright infringement, and passed the ruling unto a magistrate that will either impose a fine or start a cease and desist on all infringing activity.
The suit was filed by the trade group in 2007.
Says the RIAA: "This decision is another example of courts recognizing the value of copyrighted music and taking action against companies and individuals who are engaging in wide scale infringement. We hope that other bad actors who are engaging in similar activity will take note of this decisive opinion."
"We're disappointed in the outcome," notes Charles Baker, the lawyer representing Usenet.com. He did add however that the precedents set in the case will not "adversely affect future Usenet defendants."