Is it possible to legally obtain music using file-sharing software?
Yes. It is possible to legally obtain music through file-sharing since some copyright owners (primarily independent musicians) authorize the free distribution of their music through file-sharing services. However, it is very difficult to know whether a particular music file has been authorized or not. The vast majority of the music being traded by file-sharers has not been authorized to be distributed by file-sharing services and music by well known artists is almost certain not to be authorized. Finally, while some independent artists authorize file-sharing of their music, many others do not. The best approach from a legal standpoint is to assume that music is not authorized for file-sharing unless you somehow know otherwise (e.g., an independent artist, on their website or elsewhere, encourages fans to download their music using file-sharing services). In addition, there have recently been some attempts to offer legal file-sharing services by companies such as iMesh, Mashboxx and Ruc
