Internet file sharing entity Grokster appears to have downloaded a dirge, as the company’s no longer offers software that allows people to swap files, in some cases copyrighted files, at no charge.
The Grokster case came to head when it went before the Supreme Court during the summer. While the court sent the case back down, the high court didn’t give a definitive ruling on the measure.
“This is a chapter that ends on a high note for the recording industry, the tech community and music fans and consumers everywhere,” Mitch Bainwol, head of the
Recording Industry Association of America was quoted in an AP story.
While groups like the Recording Industry Association of America feel like this is a strong victory, recent research indicates their situation will get worse before it gets better. The Pew Internet and American Family Project suggested teens have little regard for copyright laws when dealing with music downloads and file sharing. They really just don’t care. It would seem the RIAA, the MPAA and the industries they represent are fighting a losing battle on this front because 75% of teens felt like it was unreasonable to expect them to pay for downloads when there are so easily available.
In the meantime, Grokster says on their website they intend to launch a pay service sometime in the next 60 day or so. Co-defendant Streamcast continues to work on their case. While Grokster will survive in one form or another, they won’t enjoy their previously popularity. In the end though, the music and move industry seem to have already lost, despite the ruling because in reality, the Grokster case appears to be naught by a Pyrrhic victory. The industry simply needs to reform they way they do things because the current fight is losing.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
