LimeWire, a file-sharing company that increasingly has been accused of copyright infringement by the music industry, was in effect ordered to shut down Tuesday by a federal judge.
The decision, from New York Federal Judge Kimba Wood, marked a major victory for the Recording Industry Association of America.
The company was ordered to disable functions of the program that enabled people to search, download, upload, file-trade and file-distribute through the person-to-person software &- essentially, the entire program.
LimeWire was also required to tell all LimeWire users, employees, principals and other stakeholders of the decision.
In two weeks, LimeWire officials must report back to the court so that the judge can ensure that that they have followed directions
In a statement on the company’s website, LimeWire’s CEO George Searle responded to the decision.
“Naturally, we’re disappointed with this turn of events. We are extremely proud of our pioneering history and have, for years, worked hard to bridge the gap between technology and content rights holders. However, at this time, we have no option but to cease further distribution and support of our software,” Searle said. “It’s a sad occasion for our team, and for you – the hundreds of millions of people who have used LimeWire to discover new things.”
However, he assured LimeWire users that the company would continue to work to develop new products for costumers.
“Our company remains open for business,” Searle said. “Our team of technologists and music enthusiasts is creating completely new music service that puts you back at the center of your digital music experience.”
One project that the company will be launching in the future is a subscription-based music service for consumers that will not be impacted by the court order.
They also plan to be more involved with the music industry in the future.
“We remain deeply committed to working with the music industry and making the act of loving music more fulfilling for everyone – including artists, songwriters, publishers, labels and of course music fans,” Searle said.
The RIAA accused LimeWire of enabling copyright infringement, and in court documents claimed that they cost the music industry tens of millions of dollars.
LimeWire may be held liable for the piracy and could be fined damages that are far beyond the company’s ability to pay.
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