MP3 liable for copyright infringement, court rules

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has claimed victory over MP3.com as a US judge ruled that the online music source is liable for copyright infringement.

But MP3.com's chief executive Michael Robertson, argued that the RIAA has not won because, "New technologies for delivering music are here to stay, and the new technology trend is moving in only one direction: forward."

The RIAA sued MP3.com in January claiming that the website's My.MP3.com listening service violates copyright law.

My.MP3.com, which was rolled out at the beginning of the year, allows users to download digital copies of CDs they already own or those that they have bought from the company's retail partners.

MP3.com argues that its service protects artists' intellectual properties because it requires users to purchase CDs in order to use the site.

Robertson said: "The record companies are at a crossroads and are required to make a decision about the technology that they choose to embrace."

He continued: "[MP3.com] will protect their intellectual property interests and grow their business. They will be left with copyright chaos, as we are witnessing today."

The case now proceeds to the damages phase.