Grokster/Morpheus judgements: IFPI/RIAA Statements

April 28, 2003

RIAA STATEMENT

"We disagree with the District Court's decision that these services (Gnutella-based Morpheus and Kazaa-licensee Grokster) are not liable for the massive illegal piracy that their systems encourage and we intend to appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals immediately. "

"We applaud the Court's affirmation that individual users of the system are accountable for illegal uploading and downloading of copyrighted works. And last week's decision in the Verizon matter makes clear that Individual infringers cannot expect to remain anonymous when they engage in this illegal activity."

NOTE TO REPORTERS: It should be noted that the District Court recognized that the Defendants "may have intentionally structured their businesses to avoid secondary liability for copyright infringement, while benefiting financially from the illicit draw of their wares." Businesses that intentionally facilitate massive piracy should not be able to evade responsibility for their actions, and we are confident that the Court of Appeals will come to the same conclusion.

IFPI STATEMENT

"It is important to note that the court has unequivocally confirmed that unauthorised file sharing is illegal. This court's decision does not address the legality of Kazaa itself, which has yet to be determined by the district court. This is not the end of the case for Morpheus and Grokster either, as the district court decision will be appealed. We will continue actively to protect our members' rights from those who would take their music without payment or consent."