U.S. Supreme Court Rules on File-sharing Case

Important News for GMA Members!

U.S. Supreme Court Rules on File-sharing Case

GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION
ON MGM VS. GROKSTER FILE-SHARING CASE

Court’s Decision a Victory In Battle Against Piracy, Praises Gospel Music Trade Group

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – June 27, 2005 – The Gospel Music Association (GMA) and several artists praised today’s Supreme Court decision to rule on the side of copyright protection by overturning a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had affirmed file-sharing companies like Grokster, Morpheus and KaZaA are not liable for their users' copyright infringement.

“The gospel music community joins the rest of the music industry in thanking the Supreme Court for its thoughtful, and we believe, correct decision,” said GMA President, John W. Styll. “Today, gospel music artists and everyone making its livelihood in our industry rests easier, knowing that we can continue to create uplifting and edifying music knowing the highest court in our land has declared ‘thou shalt not steal.’”

“MGM vs. Grokster," the lawsuit which the Supreme Court reviewed, was brought by 28 of the world's largest entertainment companies against the makers of the illegal peer-to-peer software products. The GMA has been part of an unprecedented coalition of movie and music organizations through the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) in asking the Supreme Court to overturn the lower court ruling and thus, reaffirm the fundamental principles of the protection of private property, including intellectual property.