Slashdot Mirror
RIAA, MPAA Lose Suit Against Streamcast and Grokster
ha-reed writes "News.com is reporting that a federal court judge in Los Angeles has handed down a ruling that Streamcast Networks (the company that makes Morpheus) and Grokster are not liable for copyright infringements due to files that are traded with their software. The judge made the comparison between file sharing software and VCR's that many supporters of file sharing often use." EFF has the decision (1.4Mb PDF) online (and a .torrent is
here
in case eff.org melts, which it won't). See our most recent story about the lawsuit.
Software makers aren't liable when people use their software for criminal purposes, without their knowledge, involvement, or consent? But, but, I thought the DMCA fixed all that, so that anyone could be guilty of anything as long as the **AA said so?!?!? What did they blow all that bribe money on then?!?!?
The sad thing is this just means there is gonna be a new Super-Mega-DMCA around the corner that will outlaw transmitting any data via a computer network or some such. If the courts aren't going to do what the guys with money, errr, the "people" want, the legislature will just have to do it for them.
A federal judge in Los Angeles has handed a stunning court victory to file-swapping services Streamcast Networks and Grokster, dismissing much of the record industry and movie studios' lawsuit against the two companies.
Stunning? I'm not sure I'd use that word. It's a small victory, though...
"Someone buy that judge a hooker. He's earned it. :) "
I'd like to but I'm still waiting for your mom to return my call!
"Derp de derp."
Most judges are former lawyers, making them corrupt by default.