When It Comes To RIAA Lawsuits, Duke Is Seriously Kicking UNC’s Ass

Brian Raftery | June 14, 2007 2:20 am

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It’s been a while–almost weeks!–since the RIAA decided to go after some college students, but yesterday, they stuck it to a bunch of Blue Devils:

The recording industry has filed federal lawsuits contending 28 Duke University computer users illegally downloaded music on the school’s computer system.

The “John Doe” lawsuits, filed Wednesday by the Recording Industry Association of America on behalf of major record companies, ask a judge to subpoena from Duke the names of the students or employees who were using the computer addresses linked to the downloading.

The industry previously warned Duke that it suspected 35 people were illegally downloading music files using the computer system. It asked Duke officials to provide the alleged violators with letters offering out-of-court settlements. Duke complied in all but about 12 cases, indicating some settlements were made.

By now, you know the drill: Students can either agree to settle out of court–a decision that usually amounts to fines ranging from $2,000 to $3,000–or fight the RIAA’s lawyers. And as for the school’s rival? UNC has had some RIAA problems of its own, including a few that might make certain alumni cringe. But in the 2007 filesharing tournament, the score remains: Duke 28, UNC 0.

Recording Industry Targets Duke Computer Music Downloads [AP]