An important success for copyright in Sweden
Stockholm 19th October, 2006 - A court in Sweden has imposed the first fine on an individual for illegal music uploading in a landmark case that ensures that file-sharers on unauthorised P2P services are not immune from prosecution in that country.
IFPI reported 30 individuals to the police for making available large quantities of music to the general public through file-sharing via the internet without the consent of the rights owners. On the date on which the report was made, IFPI had no knowledge of the people involved or where in Sweden they lived.
In response to the first of IFPI's reports, the prosecutor decided to prosecute one person for making available four music files. The case was heard before Borås District Court on 4th October and the verdict was handed down yesterday. An income-based fine of SEK 20,000 (2,161 EUR) was imposed.
In its verdict, the District Court wrote that the accused "shall now be sentenced for, on one occasion, having made four sound recordings available to the general public via the internet. This did not involve a commercial operation. He is sentenced to a substantial fine."
This shows that the District Court takes a very serious view of the offence committed.
"This is a victory for copyright and we are naturally pleased that there was a conviction. Copyright is the foundation on which the whole music industry is based. For the industry to continue to grow and for consumers to have access to a wider range of music services, such as via the internet or their mobile phones, clear and effective copyright protection is essential", says Ludvig Werner, Chairman of IFPI Sweden.
IFPI will continue to report private individuals who commit offences against copyright via the internet and file-sharing.
IFPI Sweden
IFPI Sweden was established at the end of the 1960s, and its member companies represent the record market in Sweden. IFPI's principal task is to work for better legal protection for the record companies, carry out anti-piracy activities and safeguard the rights granted by the Copyright Act. IFPI Sweden also collects royalties when phonograms are used, for example on radio and TV broadcasts, and then distributes the royalties to the record companies. IFPI also arranges the Grammy Award ceremony in Sweden.
Chairman: Ludvig Werner
Managing Director: Lars Gustafsson