Monday, April 23, 2007

RIAA Opposes EFF's Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief in Lava v. Amurao, Attacks "Recording Industry vs The People"

In Lava v. Amurao, the RIAA has opposed the motion made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation for permission to file an amicus brief.

Among other things, the RIAA argued that Ray Beckerman, who had acted as local counsel in filing the EFF's motion, publishes "Recording Industry vs. The People", which, the RIAA said, had accused the Plaintiffs of acting as "a cartel of multinational corporations [that] collude to absuse our judicial system, distort copyright law, and frighten ordinary working people and their children". (Brief at Page 4, FN 1).

RIAA Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Motion by Electronic Frontier Foundation for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief*

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Suggestions to College Students Being Targeted by the RIAA

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. HOWEVER, I DO ADVISE YOU TO GET LEGAL ADVICE, AND NOT TO TAKE YOUR ADVICE FROM THE RIAA, THE MPAA, YOUR SCHOOL, OR ANYONE ELSE WHO IS NOT YOUR LAWYER.

These are my suggestions to college students being targeted by the RIAA:

1. Join together with other students who are being targeted, pool your financial resources, and hire an attorney who is ready, willing, and able to (a) advise you of your rights and (b) fight the RIAA's "John Doe" cases when they are brought.

2. Bring to your college or university's attention my "Open Letter to Colleges and Universities"

3. Join or start campus charters of Digital Freedom and/or FreeCulture.

4. Remember that the RIAA does not presently have your identity, and that by calling them or visiting their web site you may be giving them your identity.

5. Read and learn about your rights.

6. Organize.

7. Organize.

8. Organize.

-R.B.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Elektra v. Santangelo -- Case Closed Except for Defendant's Attorneys Fees

Elektra v. Santangelo -- Case Closed Except for Defendant's Attorneys Fees

It is now official: the case against Patti Santangelo, Elektra v. Santangelo, in White Plains, New York, is now closed, except for Ms. Santangelo's right to claim attorneys fees. On April 9th Judge McMahon "so ordered" a stipulation dismissing the case, but giving Ms. Santangelo the right to pursue her claim for attorneys fees:

Stipulation and Order entered April 9, 2007, dismissing case with prejudice except for issue of defendant's entitlement to attorneys fees*

Monday, April 2, 2007

RIAA Lawsuit Decision Matrix


Thursday, March 29 12:00 AM ET
By Brian Briggs

BBspot has obtained secret documents which RIAA lawyers use to determine whether to file a lawsuit against a copyright violator. These documents give insight into the RIAA's decision-making process, and could help people avoid lawsuits in the future. We offer these documents as a public service.