There have been a number of recent high profile lawsuits that have targeted those alleged to have illegally downloaded music from popular filesharing networks. The case against Joel Tenenbaum is one such highly publicized example. But given that the Recording Industry Association of America has spent a whopping $64 million to recover a paltry $1.4 million, is it really worth the cost?
Critics believe that money is not the real issue behind these expensive lawsuits. Despite the RIAA claiming their lawsuits are to protect artist profits, industry experts think the real reason behind these lawsuits is that the RIAA is trying to support an outdated business model in the wake of falling CD sales. The sad truth is, people no longer want to buy albums—they would rather pay for individual tracks.
So if the RIAA could just get its head around the concept of a new business model that utilizes a Voluntary Collective License, consumers would be free to use peer-to-peer filesharing networks in peace without the fear of a gigantic lawsuit hanging over them every single day. The CD market is an outdated concept when filesharing networks continue to grow due to increasing popular demand.