The RIAA took legal action against Madster, then called Aimster, in 2001. The record industry alleges that Madster 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.
In October 2002, the US district court in Chicago issued an order requiring Madster to immediately prevent its users from uploading and downloading copyrighted works or to shut down its operations until it can do so. Madster was also ordered to implement anti-copying technological measures and keep the court updated on its efforts to prevent infringement.
The RIAA claims that Madster, which is continuing to advertise its subscription service, has done nothing to comply with the order. In a motion filed on Wednesday, it asks the court to hold Johnny Deep, its creator, in contempt of the court's order.
The RIAA also asks the court to appoint a compliance officer to take the Madster system off-line, if necessary. The motion also suggests that the court directly fine Johnny Deep his daily profits ($1,500 per day) with the money going to the court.
The RIAA's motion of contempt can be found at:
www.riaa.com/RIAA_Motion_of_Contempt_Aimster.pdf