Money Matters, Simplified.
Jammie Thomas-Rasset fined $1.92 Million in RIAA case
by Neka Sehgal - June 21, 2009 - comments
A Minnesota jury ruled that Jammie Thomas-Rasset owes $1.92 million to the four major labels after downloading and sharing 24 songs
Saint Paul, Minnesota, June 20: Jammie Thomas-Rasset, a 32-year-old woman found guilty of illegally sharing 24 songs through Kazaa, has to pay $1.92 million for violating copyright procedures.
The case started in 2007 when the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) filed a lawsuit against Thomas-Rasset claiming she had illegally shared 1700 songs.
The first trial concluded in October 2007 with the jury slapping Jammie with $220,000 to pay RIAA in damages which she later appealed against. A mistrial was later declared in the case.
Thomas-Rasset opted for a new trial instead of settlement. The case went up for re-trial before a new jury, who found her guilty. However, the damages were harsher than the first trial. She was ordered to pay $80,000 for each copyright infringement, mounting up to a total of $1.92 million in fines.
“We appreciate the jury’s service and that they take this issue as seriously as we do,” said Cara Duckworth, an RIAA spokeswoman. “We are pleased that the jury agreed with the evidence and found the defendant liable. Since day 1, we have been willing to settle the case and remain willing to do so.”
Thomas-Rasset asserts innocence
Just as in the first trial, Thomas-Rasset asserted her innocence. She testified that it was perhaps her ex-boyfriend or sons who were responsible for downloading and distributing the songs.
After the proceedings, teary eyed Thomas-Rasset stated, “This case has been a nightmare for me and my family. I’ve had to defend myself for something I didn’t do…It’s not fair. It’s not fair by any standard.”
She added, "There’s no way they’re ever going to get that. You can't get blood out of a turnip. I’m a mom, limited means, so I’m not going to worry about it now."
Case a landmark battle
The case has been held up as a landmark battle between the RIAA and those accused of downloading music. Most of the 30,000 lawsuits filed by record companies have escaped heavy fines due to settlement out of court.
Among the songs that Thomas-Rasset allegedly pilfered are Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" and "November Rain," Janet Jackson's "Let's Wait Awhile," Gloria Estefan's "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris," Journey's "Faithfully" and "Don't Stop Believing," Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery," Aerosmith's "Cryin'," Linkin Park's "One Step Closer," Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me," No Doubt's "Bathwater" and "Hella Good," and Destiny's Child's "Bills, Bills, Bills”.