ARTICLE · 24 NOVEMBER 2003

ARIA Launches World First Action Against ISP

Freehills

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AustraliaAntitrust/Competition Law

Natalie Ceola

Following an investigation into alleged music piracy relating to the website www.mp3s4free.net, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has launched court proceedings against the registrant of the site (Stephen Cooper) and, in what is believed to be a world first, has named internet service provider (ISP), E-Talk Communications (trading as ComCen Internet Services), as the second respondent.

The investigation, conducted by Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI), found the website to be one of the largest of its kind, providing free access to thousands of infringing files including new release music. It is estimated that seven million people visited the website in the past year, resulting in over 100 million hits to the website.

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