LimeWire被索赔72万亿美元

音乐盗版软件LimeWire曾被要求赔偿72万亿美元

当年一场对音乐盗版软件LimeWire的诉讼，导致其创始人差点面临天文数字的巨额罚款。

这起案件发生在2011年，当时唱片业协会（RIAA）指控LimeWire违反版权法，并向该公司索赔高达72万亿美元。这个数字远远超过了全球当年总经济产出，甚至比地球上所有财富的总和还要高得多。

RIAA提出的数字源于对LimeWire下载歌曲数量的估计，并将每个非法下载都等同于一笔完整的销售收入损失。根据美国法律，每起侵权行为可处以15万美元罚款，最终导致这个令人难以置信的72万亿美元数目。

然而，法官最终裁定RIAA只能获得每首歌曲一次性损害赔偿金，并将原定的数字从72万亿美元降至16.5亿美元，最终被修改为7.5亿美元。最后，LimeWire支付了1.05亿美元的罚款。

如今，LimeWire已经不再提供音乐下载服务，但其软件版本仍然可以运行。该公司也转型为NFT平台和AI图像分享平台，与音乐行业彻底告别。这场诉讼成为了网络盗版时代的一个标志性案例，同时也提醒人们数字经济时代的法律挑战和风险。

阅读本文之前，你最好先了解...

• 版权法： Copyright law is a complex area that protects original works of authorship, including music. Understanding the basics of copyright law is crucial to grasping the legal battle between LimeWire and RIAA.

• P2P网络： Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks allow users to share files directly with each other, without relying on a central server. LimeWire utilized this technology to facilitate music sharing, which ultimately led to its downfall.

• RIAA的影响力： The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a powerful lobbying group that represents the interests of record labels. They played a key role in pushing for stricter copyright enforcement and taking legal action against file-sharing platforms like LimeWire.

这场诉讼的深远影响

LimeWire vs. RIAA wasn't just about money; it had a profound impact on the music industry and the way we consume content online.

• 打击音乐盗版： The case sent a strong message to individuals and companies involved in illegal file-sharing, deterring future infringement.
• 促进合法音乐流媒体平台的发展: With traditional downloading becoming riskier, platforms like Spotify and Apple Music rose in popularity, offering legal and convenient ways to access music.
• 引发对互联网监管的讨论： The case sparked debate about the balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring free access to information online.

LimeWire的重生

Although its original business model failed, LimeWire has made a remarkable comeback. The company now operates as a platform for NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and AI image sharing. This transformation highlights the adaptability of technology and entrepreneurship in response to changing market dynamics.

如果你有其它意见，请评论留言。

网友评论

以下是一些网友对这篇文章的一些评论...

• "72万亿美元？这也太夸张了吧！简直比当年我玩游戏时盗版游戏卡的损失还要大！"

• “看来RIAA是想把所有音乐爱好者都当成了百万富翁，他们才敢索要这么多钱呢！”

• "LimeWire创始人差点倾家荡产？别太可怜了，他当初靠盗版软件发财也赚了不少钱吧！现在只是偿还一部分而已。"

• “7.5亿美元，这对于音乐巨头来说不过是杯水车薪吧！他们应该把这些钱用来改善歌曲质量而不是找些麻烦。”

• "还好LimeWire转型了，不然说不定会被RIAA逼着去开一家唱片店卖实体专辑！"

• "这个故事告诉我们：在数字时代，下载一首歌曲的风险比购买一栋房子还大！”

如果你有其它意见，请积极发表。