Published
Thu, Jul 22, 2010, 11:35
- The London clubbing empire is demanding compensation from individual internet users.
Ministry of Sound is cracking down on internet users who they believe have downloaded their music illegally, threatening to sue those who do not pay them a settlement fee.
The London-based label presented filesharers with an ultimatum: pay 350-375 pounds in compensation, or face further legal action in court. Gallant Macmillan, a Soho-based media litigator, reportedly sent out 2,000 such notices on MoS's behalf last week. Accused individuals can pay 375 pounds through the mail, or save 15 pounds by paying online at www.pay-2-play.co.uk.
In a press release sent out last night, a spokesperson for Ministry of Sound made the following statement: "In a difficult time for the music industry--with piracy seriously damaging the long term viability of the business--it is important that copyright owners protect their rights and the rights of their artists. We feel it is necessary to take action that will ultimately change habits and ensure that we can continue to invest in talent for many years to come."
Ministry of Sound's actions have already attracted controversy. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), a trade association that works to protect musicians and record labels from copyright infringement, told The Guardian that it disagrees with MoS's method of choice, saying such techniques are "best reserved for the most persistent or serious offenders, rather than widely used as a first response."
Some legal experts doubt the effectiveness of MoS's approach, saying their charges are nearly impossible to enforce; either the accused would have to simply confess, or MoS's lawyers would have to obtain a court order granting them permission to search the hard drive in question. Similar methods have been used by different law firms in the past, most notably ACS:Law, which also launched an offensive against filesharers, but legal precedents of such cases being won in English courts are scarce. As they state in their press release, MoS are following precedents in Germany, where such proceedings have had a more profound impact on curbing illegal downloads.
Ministry of Sound has declined to respond to any specific questions at this time.