Copyright infringers hit for billions of dollars

[FluffyMcDeath]

Yes, BILLIONS. A gang of villains have been ripping off artists for years now, releasing compilation CDs and basically not giving a rats arse about the musicians getting fair compensation (or any compensation). Artists have been going after these people on their own and the labels and the law have been of no help.

Finally they have gotten together and have launched a class action suit. So who are these reprobates?

Warner Music Canada, Sony BMG Music Canada, EMI Music Canada, and Universal Music Canada.

story

 

[Glaucus]

Ya, I noticed that a couple of days ago. Unfortunately I think the right people will fail to take notice.

Ars technica of course did notice (which I read daily): Artists' lawsuit: major record labels are the real pirates

I kinda liked their summary of the situation:

• As University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist pointed out on his blog, the issue stems from a change to the law in the 1980s that eventually produced something known as the "pending list." Essentially, record companies no longer had to get a compulsory license every time they wanted to use a song for, say, a compilation album. Instead, they went ahead and used the song without waiting for authorization or making payment, adding the song to a list of music that is pending authorization and payment. If you're questioning whether you read that right, that basically means the record industries could use songs as long as they pinky swore they would get authorization and pay the artist for it eventually.

Anyone who still believes the CRIA looks out for the artist's best interests has rocks in their head.

 

[Robert]

But remember, home taping is killing music!

 

[faethor]

What's killing music is the crap they try to pass off as music.