Member companies of the Recording Industry Association of America have filed 261 civil lawsuits against "major" Internet file sharers, the trade association announced Monday.
The filings, which occurred across the country, came as little surprise to many in the University community and the industry. Over the summer, the music industry intensified a campaign aimed at discouraging the sharing of music and announced June 25 that it would collect evidence to bring suit against illegal file sharers.
Under federal copyright law, violators can be sued for $750 to $150,000 in damages for each infringement. Those implicated in the suits Monday were described by industry officials as "major" offenders -- those having on average more than 1,000 songs available for download by others online through "peer to peer" exchanges.
Yesterday the RIAA announced that one of the 261 cases had already been settled. Sylvia Torres, mother of 12-year-old accused file-sharer Brianna Lahara, settled for $2,000 and apologized to the RIAA.
But RIAA Spokesperson Jonathan Lamy was quick to emphasize that the purpose of the slew of lawsuits is to deter other file-sharers.
"This is not a money making exercise," Lamy said. "We're trying to let people know that there can be real consequences for downloading music illegally online."
He added that he suspects many of the other lawsuits will be settled soon.
At a news conference, RIAA Chair and CEO Mitch Bainwol announced an "amnesty" clean slate program for those who voluntarily step forward and pledge to cease sharing files online. The RIAA in turn promises not to include these self-identified file-sharers in future industry investigations after the individual deletes shared files and signs an affidavit.
Last week, Universal Music Group -- which controls 24 percent of the worldwide and 30 percent of the domestic music market -- announced it would significantly reduce the price of its compact discs in an effort to entice customers back to record stores.
Beginning later this fall, the conglomerate will drop the manufacturer-suggested retail price on most "top line" domestic CDs from the current level of $18.98 to $12.98.
"We strongly believe that when the prices are dramatically reduced on so many titles, we will drive consumers back to the stores and significantly bolster music sales," Universal Music Group Chair Doug Morris said in a statement released last week.
Universal Music Group's artist roster includes Elton John, Eminem, U2, The Roots, 50 Cent, No Doubt, Shania Twain and Bon Jovi.
While Universal's announcement surprised many in the industry, Plan 9 general manager Kelly Wilkes speculated that other major record labels would "wait and see" how successful the new Universal policy will be before pursuing any price reduction policies of their own.
Plan 9, an independent Virginia retailer, operates two stores in Charlottesville and five other stores scattered throughout central Virginia.
While open to offering consumers lower prices, greatly reduced manufacturer-suggested retail prices create a smaller profit margin for retailers, Wilkes said.
Reduced CD prices, coupled with the threat of legal prosecution like that facing Durwood Pickle, a 71-year-old Texas man, may prompt some in the University community to wean themselves off file-sharing. Others expect little change in their spending habits though they are appreciative of prospectively lower prices.
"I never really stopped buying CDs from the store," third-year College student Rich Erwin said. "I always felt like with the bands I wanted to be loyal to that I should buy the CDs from the store."
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