Industries Petition Supreme Court Over P2P

WASHINGTON — Movies studios and record companies filed a joint petition to the U.S. Supreme Court today, asking that it overturn a series of recent controversial decisions that have favored file-swappers and peer-to-peer networks.

“This is one of the most important copyright cases ever to reach this court,” said the Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America in the petition.

“Resolution of the question presented here will largely determine the value, indeed the very significance, of copyright in the digital era,” the petition reads.

The two groups are seeking for the court to rule on whether file-swapping developers should be required to design their products to deter copyright infringement, according to the filing.

“These companies have expressly designed their businesses to avoid all legal liability, with the full knowledge that over 90 percent of the material traversing their applications belongs to someone else,” said Dan Glickman, chief executive officer of the MPAA, in a statement released today.

According to the filings, both the MPAA and the RIAA are seeking to have several cases overturned, including one in which a Los Angeles federal judge ruled that Grokster and its creators and distributors could not be held liable for the actions of its users.

U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Wilson ruled that Grokster was not any different than companies like Sony and Hewlett-Packard, which produce video recorders and CD-R drives that can be used to violate copyright laws.

“[The] defendants distribute and support software, the users of which can and do choose it employ it for both lawful and unlawful ends,” Wilson ruled.

Wilson’s ruling was recently upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in August.

The petition has met with criticism from technology consumer groups, though, who feel that it has no place in the Supreme Court’s hands.

“There is no reason the Supreme Court should review the decision,” said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, in a statement. “That case was based on the principles established in the 1984 Betamax case, which has led to the largest and most profitable period of technological innovation in this country’s history. Consumers, industry and our country have all benefited as a result.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

Nadia Jay Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Nadia Jay stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fucking the Bath Voyeur."

Tommy Gunn Reflects on His Legendary Past as He Looks to the Future

Tommy Gunn is wearing an eyepatch. It’s not an homage to the classic "Pirates" porn parody franchise, in which Gunn takes on the Johnny Depp role. The eyepatch is a temporary measure to help him deal with a nerve palsy that came out of nowhere several years ago and affects his vision from time to time. Gunn needs his vision. As one of the adult industry’s longest-serving male stars, he still has plenty to look forward to.

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

Show More