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Universal Music Group Sues MySpace, News Corp.

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Universal Music Group has recently issued an infringement lawsuit against MySpace, a development that follows tough talk from label chairman Doug Morris. Universal filed the action in the US District Court in Los Angeles late Friday, alleging that MySpace ?harbors no illusions? that its destination contains infringing content. The action also asserts that MySpace "knowingly and intentionally operated its business on the fiction that it has obtained the licenses it needs to exist? from users that it ?well knows are not the true copyright owners." Additionally, the label noted that the company ?encourages, facilitates and participates in the unauthorized reproduction, adaptation, distribution and public performance" of its works. The suit is seeking damages of $150,000 per infringing track, either in audio or video form.

MySpace quickly issued a response to the development. ?MySpace provides an extraordinary promotion platform for artists ? from major labels to independent acts ? while respecting their copyrights,? the statement read. ?We are in full compliance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and have no doubt we will prevail in court,? the company continued. ?Moreover, we proactively take steps to filter unauthorized music sound recordings and have implemented audio fingerprinting technology.? The social networking giant further dismissed the action as ?unnecessary and meritless?. Earlier, MySpace announced a partnership with Gracenote, a move designed to limit postings of copyrighted works.

Source: Digital Music News