File-sharing, where individual users download software that enables them to upload, download and swap digital files for free over the internet, has been a huge problem for the entertainment and software industries, bypassing the rights of copyright holders, and reducing sales of music, film and software.
Altnet, a firm that sells digital media on-line, is committed to creating an authorised file-sharing system, but has had little success in persuading the music industry of the benefits of file-sharing networks.
The RIAA has been particularly fervent in its fight against digital piracy, suing both the companies that provide the software, and the individual file-sharers themselves – filing its latest batch of suits, 744 in total, at the end of last month.
But Altnet and its parent company Brilliant Digital Entertainment, have now filed suit against the RIAA and some of its chief officers. The suit also targets anti-piracy firms Overpeer, Media Sentry and Overpeer's parent company Loudeye.
Altnet claims that the defendants have been using its patented file-identifying system, known as TrueNames, to spoof, track or interdict files on file-sharing networks, all without proper authorisation.
TrueNames, according to Altnet, is a method of identifying data based on the actual content of a file, rather than by the file name, origin, location, address or other information that can be easily changed. A unique identifier, or hash, is assigned to the data using an algorithm in a patented process, and can be tracked, retrieved and monitored.
But, says the P2P company, unauthorised use of the technology has inhibited the growth of P2P for legitimate file-sharing and has therefore injured its business.
"Regrettably, our unique business proposition, backed by our exclusive patent rights, has been rejected continuously over the past three years, forcing us to seek injunctive relief," said Altnet CEO Kevin Bermeister.
"We're saddened to have had to take this kind of action and are confident we will prevail."
The RIAA has yet to comment, but according to CNET News.com, Overpeer's Marc Morgenstern said, "We vigorously deny these claims and find them to be completely baseless and without merit."