The Napster software (http://www.napster.com), launched early in 1999, allows internet users to share and download MP3 files directly from any computer connected to the Napster network. The software is used by downloading a program from the Napster site and then connecting to the network through this software, which allows sharing (uploading and downloading) of MP3 files between all users connected to the network. While Napster does not condone copyright infringement, there is no opportunity in the software to stop this, or for money to be paid to artists whose songs are being duplicated for free. Unlike similar file-sharing applications, Napster limits users to uploading/downloading of MP3 files only. These files are compressed wave (.wav) files. The advantage of MP3 files is that they are approximately one-tenth the size of the corresponding .wav file and can be close to CD quality (Smith). For this reason that many artists are concerned with the MP3 file and applications like Napster that simplifies the sharing of copyrighted material. The reaction from artists, record labels and other music industry players has been different, but mostly anti-Napster. The first action to be taken against Napster was by the band Metallica. In April 2000, they sued Napster Inc for copyright infringement (Brown). The case was settled out of court when Napster agreed to ban 300,000 users who had downloaded Metallica songs (Brown). Again in June Napster Inc was sued for copyright infringement by The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a trade group representing the US recording industry, saying "Napster is enabling and encouraging the illegal copying and distribution of copyrighted music". Napster replied with “Audio Home Recording Act that permits copying of material for personal use allows its uses to swap MP3s.” Napster also defined the company as an ISP under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (RIAA).Other artists and re...
