Pop idol Prince
caused controversy last week when he initiated a copyright action against
twenty two fans. The defendants in question had created fan websites dedicated to the musician through the use of platforms like Facebook and Blogger. Prince alleges that the defendants used these websites to post links to torrent sites where recordings of his concerts could be downloaded for
free. He is seeking $1 million in
damages from each defendant, only two of which are identified by name (the
others remaining as John Doe defendants).
According to
Prince, the defendants' websites constitute "an interconnected network of bootleg distribution which is able to broadly disseminate unauthorized copies of Prince’s musical compositions and live performances" and accordingly their actions amounted to "massive infringement and bootlegging" of copyrighted material.
Fans have expressed
their shock at Prince’s decision to sue his own fan-base. At the fan-based web
forum Prince.org, fans left messages such as: "Yes
bootlegging is wrong, but … who is next? Dude will even go after regular ass
fans … really sad," and "Prince will be remembered for making some of
the most beautiful music ever created and for hating his fans." Many will no
doubt be aware that Prince has track record of copyright litigation. This
included an unsuccessful legal action brought against the Pirate Bay in 2007.
