We knew this was coming. Music industry sues P2P firm LimeWire. Limewire is an open-source P2P client for the Gnutella network. The basic version is free, and the professional version is under $20.
This case is different from the Grokster one. To download Limewire, you must click-thru a “Non-Infringing Intent of Use” and answer “I will not use Limewire for copyright infringment.” So even if people are using it to copy RIAA-backed music, Limewire can say that it does not actively “induce” copyright infringement. Unfortunately, the RIAA will do their best to prolong and make this case as expensive as possible.
Will the music industry ever get the message? Stop overcharging for your music, especially online!
Which reminds me, I’ll be watching AllOfMp3.com closely in the next few weeks. On September 1, 2006, a Russian amendment to law will take effect, explicitly referring to the online distribution of creative works. AllOfMp3 acknowledges the copyright legislation and vows to have agreements with the rightholders in place to continue doing business.
Could you imagine what it would be like if all online music stores were as cheap as AllOfMp3? There would be very little copying of music, and everyone would find it more convenient to buy. There would be no more need for middlemen like the RIAA. I guess that’s why they’re fighting so hard.