The RIAA took legal action against Madster, then called Aimster, in 2001. The record industry alleges that the company violated copyright law by allowing users to exchange pirated material. Madster, on the other hand, argues that it is protected by the US Audio Home Recording Act of 1992, which gives consumers the right to make copies of digital works for private use.
Under the order, Madster must immediately prevent its users from uploading and downloading copyrighted works or it has to shut down its operations until it can do so. Madster is also obliged to implement anti-copying technological measures and keep the court updated on its efforts to prevent infringement.
The RIAA said in a statement that "other unauthorised peer-to-peer networks should take note" of the decision.
The full text of the order issued by the US District Court of the Northern District of Illinois is available from:
www.riaa.com/pdf/103002PreliminaryInjunctionOrder.pdf.