Los Angeles - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has launched a new website where those targeted with potential copyright infringement lawsuits for using file-sharing networks can apply for settlements at "a substantial discount," and even pay the fee online.

From the site's FAQ: "The settlement amount is generally lower if the case is settled before the record companies incur the costs of a litigation. Additionally, settling before the filing of a lawsuit will not result in a judgment. Any settlement that is negotiated after a lawsuit is brought against you in your name could include the entry of a judgment."

The RIAA told Wired News it launched the site in part because of requests from defendants for a way to settle their cases privately, so their names and alleged crimes don't become public record.

The site is also a workaround of the existing -- and more costly -- legal process, where the RIAA must file subpoenas with ISPs or universities seeking the identities of each individual subscriber or student suspected of music copyright infringement.

Related Links:
http://blog.wired.com/music/2007/02/riaa_launches_p.html

http://www.p2plawsuits.com