Did Napster violate US copyright laws?

According to the US Courts, yes From - Napster and Intellectual Property "In April 2000 the heavy metal rock group Metallica sued the on-line music-trading Website Napster for Copyright infringement. read more

Metallica argued that Napster facilitated illegal use of digital audio devices, which the group alleged was a violation of the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) act, 18 U.S.C. § 1961. read more

Napster argued that it had engaged in fair use of the copyrighted material. If so, Napster did not violate copyright laws. The doctrine of fair use first developed in court decisions, but it was later made a part of copyright law, in section 107 of U.S. copyright law. read more

"A majority of Napster users use the service to download and upload copyrighted music," she said. The injunction is scheduled to take effect at midnight on Friday and will continue pending trial. The case represents a landmark in the uncharted waters of internet copyright law, with policy-makers, lawyers, consumers and entrepreneurs watching closely. read more