Can an internet service allow users to store and listen to compact discs sold by record companies through an internet connection?
Probably not. According to the court in UMG Recordings v. MP3.com, an internet company may not store MP3 music files to facilitate their retransmission. Reproducing audio compact discs in MP3 format does not transform the copyrighted work. An internet operator must do more than merely retransmit the original work in a different medium. The court in UMG also found that storing digital files in this way would have an adverse market effect on the record companies. UMG Recordings, Inc. v. MP3.com, Inc., 92 F. Supp. 2d 349, 350 (S.D.N.Y. 2000). >>top Question: Does the fair use doctrine permit individuals to upload and download digital audio files containing copyrighted music through a file-sharing service that facilitates transmission and retention of the files by its users? Answer: No. The courts that have considered this issue to date have held that this type of “peer to peer file sharing” violates the copyright owner’s exclusive right to reproduce their copyrighted material and does not
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- Can an internet service allow users to store and listen to compact discs sold by record companies through an internet connection?
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