SOUNDBYTING: A Campaign To Protect Music On The Internet
Defending The Intellectual Property Rights Of Artists
The Recording Industry Association of America, Inc. (RIAA) is a nonprofit industry trade group that represents companies, both small and large, that create, manufacture and distribute over 90 percent of the sound recordings sold in the United States. A primary mission of the RIAA is to safeguard the intellectual property rights of recording artists and member companies.
Contrary to statements made on several illegal music sites, the RIAA is not a government enforcement agency. However, the RIAA does cooperate with law enforcement in cases involving the violation of copyrighted sound recordings. The RIAA also monitors the Internet daily for sites that offer unauthorized sound files containing members' sound recordings. Find out more about the RIAA by visiting our Web site at: http://www.riaa.com
Protecting First Amendment Rights
The RIAA is a strong advocate for the First Amendment rights of artists to freely express themselves. The RIAA leads the charge when special interest groups attempt to censor lyrics and prevent artists from performing and selling their work. The RIAA recognizes that freedom of expression and copyright protection are founding principles of our democracy and fights every day to protect this important part of our collective national heritage.
Educating Students About Copyright, Music And The Internet
The SOUNDBYTING Campaign is an education program the RIAA created to help college and university administrators and their students understand the value of copyright on the Internet. The Campaign teaches students what the copyright law deems appropriate with respect to transmitting, uploading and downloading sound recordings on the Internet. The Campaign also illustrates how established and emerging artists and consumers are harmed when copyright laws are disregarded.
Reporting Internet Music Piracy
The RIAA receives dozens of leads from concerned individuals every day. Any questions or concerns can be submitted - in confidence - to the RIAA at badbeat@riaa.com.
1330 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
PH: 202.775.0101
FX: 202.775.7253
