trading of MP3 files of stealing, as it does allow users who had not purchased songs to download, play and store them. This Napster service allows users to search for MP3 files on the computer of other users and download the tracks they want directly from those users, bypassing any central servers, through a technique called peer-to-peer computing. Napster is now arguing against, “Napster is not liable for any infringement being committed” (qtd. online 1).“Napster currently pays royalties to no one” (Michael learmonth 1). This is the core argument in every record company’s debate. Claiming that it is unfair to trade MP3 files for free without paying any royalties or giving any artist any credit. Although Napster’s CEO, Hank Barry affirms that “We at Napster are eager to develop business models that will benefit artists and songwriters, the music industry and listeners” (qtd. in Learmonth).United States district Judge, Marilyn Hall Patel has been ruling against all of Napster's requests and is in favor of the Recording Industries. Patel claims “Napster wrote the software; its up to them to write software that will remove from users the ability to copy copyrighted material”(qtd. in borland 2). Judge Patel affirms her view of “they created a monster…that’s the consequence they face”(qtd. in borland 2). Ruling that Napster blocks all major-label songs from its directory, or closes its doors shortly. Napster claims that they are unable to tell which songs have copyrights, therefore they would have to close doors if the court requires it to block specific songs.Last year in “Judge Marilyn Hall Patel’s ruling,” it was indicated Napster would bring in more than 70 million users, by the end of 2000. An abundance amount of users at this rate will cause music exchanging “computers” at an astronomical volume. With the opportun...
