MySpace sued by Universal Music

Posted on Saturday, November 18 2006 @ 23:12 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck

Universal Music filed a copyright infringement complaint against MySpace.com on Friday. The recording company blames MySpace for encouraging members to share music and music videos on the social networking site without permission:

The recording company is seeking unspecified damages, including up to $150,000 for each unauthorized music video or song posted on the Web site.

The lawsuit is the latest legal salvo in a wider conflict between established media against Internet companies whose technology is challenging the traditional ways music, video and other content are distributed and consumed.

In its complaint, filed in U.S. District Court, Universal Music contends MySpace, a unit of News Corp., attempts to shield itself from liability by requiring users agree to grant the Web site a license to publish the content they upload to the site.

Users, however, have no such authority over works they don't own.

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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