Music industry demands investigation of University court conduct - News - Communications

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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Music industry demands investigation of University court conduct

By James Pearce, ZDNet Australia
May 29, 2003
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Music-industry-demands-investigation-of-University-court-conduct/0,130061791,120274919,00.htm

A music industry piracy body has asked ombudsmen in three states to investigate the conduct of universities involved in court action over alleged use of the institution's networks to breach copyright.

Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI) last week sent a letter to State Ombudsmen in Tasmania, NSW and Victoria, calling for an independent investigation into the conduct of the University of Melbourne, the University of Tasmania and Sydney University during the court case to determine whether the universities have to allow the music industry access to their networks.

"It's something we believe the Ombudsmans offices will take seriously," Michael Speck, the managing director of MIPI, told ZDNet Australia. The company -- which investigates possible infringements of copyright -- had several complaints about the actions of the universities during the court case.

"First, they ran a case as a point-blank refusal to assist until they reached the court," said Speck, adding that in court the universities conceded there was no privacy legislation or technical issues that prevented them from handing over information.

Speck said the court case was 'squandering public funds', saying MIPI estimated the universities had spent the equivalent of 20 or more university degrees on "a case they knew they couldn't win". Despite this, the universities have already informed the music industry that if they are not completely happy with the decision handed down by the judge they would appeal.

"We suspect that significant copyright infringements are still occurring at the universities," said Speck. "We don't believe the universities have taken any appropriate action. We suspect that they'd rather negotiate an environment that absolves them from any responsibility." He said the infringements identified by MIPI potentially carried criminal sentences of up to five years imprisonment.

A spokesperson for Melbourne University said they were unable to comment on the matter at this time.