MySpace Sued for Copyright Infringement*

Details

Case Code : CLIT005
Publication date : 2006
Subject : IT and Systems
Industry : -
Length : 03 Pages
Price : Rs. 100

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Key words:

Universal Music Group, MySpace, copyright infringement, News Corporation, social networking, audio fingerprinting technology, web 2.0, Google Inc, Fox Interactive Media, Digital Millennium Copyright Act, search engine, filtering system, copyright violation


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Abstract:

This business update discusses about Universal Music Group (UMG) suing MySpace for copyright infringement of the work of its artists. UMG also claimed damages of US$ 1,50,000 for each unauthorized music or video posted on the site. MySpace alleged that the lawsuit files was unfortunate and the fine imposed was unjust. However, analysts opined that MySpace sought protection from Digital Millenium Copyright Act, which would exempt it from copyright violation lawsuits.

Introduction On November 17, 2006, Universal Music Group (UMG), a leading music publishing and record company sued MySpace, a popular social networking site in the US, for copyright infringement of the work of its artists. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for California's Central District, alleged that MySpace helped its users to upload music videos and participated in the infringement process by re-formatting the videos so that they could be shared among other users. UMG further alleged that most of the content posted on MySpace was not "user-generated" and was copied from content owners. Commenting on this, UMG said, "The foundation of MySpace is its so-called 'user-generated content.' However, much of that content is not 'user-generated' at all. Rather, it is the 'user-stolen' intellectual property of others, and MySpace is a willing partner in that theft."

The site offered those who registered as free members over 320 dolls and thousands of garments and accessories. For about US$ 3 a month, paid members could get access to "Superstar" dolls, and special clothing and designer collections. Most of the site's members were between the ages of 7 to 17 from over 190 countries. The site was also popular among older girls and women...

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