Word

Description

Napster

a free software application developed by Napster Inc., founded by John
Fanning and his nephew Shawn Fanning (Shawn wrote the program code),
that allows a user to download music over the Internet using the MP3 format.
Additionally, the program allows users access to a worldwide library of music
maintained by subscribers, as well as the ability to chat online. The company
claims more than 20 million users. The name Napster was Shawn Fanning’s
childhood nickname. Napster has stirred a great deal of controversy over intellectual
property rights. Many artists have spoken out against Napster as they
feel their work is being taken without payment. At present, several lawsuits
have been filed to stop the upstart company from facilitating the distribution of
copyrighted music. Proponents maintain that subscribers simply allow other
subscribers to borrow music they own, thus contend, no copyright violation. In
the summer of 2000, the US Senate listened to testimony of artists claiming
financial harm from the company as well as a representative of the firm con-tending
no laws have been broken. Shortly thereafter, a federal judge ordered
the site to shut down. It is almost certain that this issue will end up being
resolved in court.