RIAA HEAPS VENTI PRAISE ON GRANDE LEGAL VICTORY

A federal jury in Austin found Internet provider Grande Communications liable for "willful infringement" of 1,403 copyrighted recordings and ordered the company to pay nearly $47m in damages to a group of record-label plaintiffs.

RIAA chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier addressed the outcome in a statement, saying, “This is the latest validation by U.S. courts and juries that unchecked online infringement will not stand. The jury's strong action here sends an important message to Internet service providers. Artists, songwriters, rightsholders, fans and legitimate services all depend on a healthy digital-music ecosystem that effectively protects creative works online.”

Federal law holds Internet providers accountable for online piracy on their networks. In this case, the jury found Grande Communications failed to meet its legal obligations. Several other high-profile cases—including those involving Cox Communications and Bright House Networks/Charter—netted similar outcomes.