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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios v. Grokster

518 F. Supp. 2d 1197 (1997)

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios v. Grokster

United States District Court for the Central District of California
518 F. Supp. 2d 1197 (1997)

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Facts

Grokster, Ltd. (defendant) and StreamCast Networks, Inc. (StreamCast) (defendant) distributed free software enabling peer-to-peer sharing of music and video files among internet users. Much of the content being shared was copyrighted. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios was part of a group of motion-picture studios, record companies, and other entities (the copyright holders) (plaintiffs) that brought a copyright-infringement action in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The court granted summary judgment in favor of Grokster and StreamCast, holding that the infringement occurred on the level of individual users of the software. The court of appeals affirmed. The case was then appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which reversed, holding that the Grokster and StreamCast were liable for the infringement that occurred as a result of the distribution of their software. The case was then remanded back to the district court, with StreamCast being the only remaining defendant. The copyright holders moved for a permanent injunction against StreamCast to prevent further infringement.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Wilson, J.)

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