A slew of RIAA lawsuit news hit just before the US Thanksgiving holiday. So, even if you were deep in a Triptophan coma and didn't catch the legal happenings, we'll hook you up. First, in the case of Universal Music Group vs. Marie Lindor, UMG is attempting to expand their reach all the way down the street and around the corner. Marie Lindor's counsel Ray Beckerman explains, "the RIAA has now subpoenaed the computer of Ms. Lindor's adult son, who lives four (4) miles away from her. Ms. Lindor's son, a paralegal in a law firm, has hired counsel to make a motion to quash the subpoena." It's too early to tell how this will affect the case against Ms. Lindor but if Universal's recent anti-social behavior is any indication, UMG doesn't plan to stop until the fat lady is fully warmed up and performing Carmen. (Of course, then they'll sue the fat lady, demanding royalties plus an equity deal)
Second, the highly publicized lawsuit against Patti Santangelo has turned into a lawsuit against her two children, one of which is a minor. I blogged about this a few weeks ago however, now it's official. Jon Newton of p2pnet.net has mused openly that the RIAA may have leaked the lawsuit to the press before filing, although that now appears to be a moot point. It's probably germane to point out that, in evidence to Jon's musings, the Santangelo family was totally unaware of any renewed legal action against them when the AP ran the original story earlier this month.
Finally, the RIAA is arguing against the defendant's counter-filing for legal fees in the case of Elektra vs. Schwartz. Although to early to tell how this may unfold, the liability for legal costs incurred by a defendant who is able to successfully defend themselves against an RIAA lawsuit is an important hurdle for the RIAA. To date, potential liability for the defendant's legal fees have been the only viable weapon against the expansion of the RIAA's
1. Every time they sue the wrong person, they claim no responsibility. If they had evidence to begin with to indicate the person they chose to sue was in fact the person, then so many mistakes would not be made. These suits destroy American Families at the behest of large corporations. While reprehensible in Iraq that a dictator would destroy lives and families, here in the US we permit a corporation to destroy families. If proof of theft was required before a suit, this might be different but when you sue on the basis of hypothetical doctrines, then it is no different then a tyrant. These suits are alienating the people from there own justice system in the US. Look around the world where others became disenfranchised with there justice system. The RIAA and Directv and there attorneys have to be responsible for the monster they create and it's ultimate affect.
Posted at 5:20PM on Nov 24th 2006 by gene