Judge Drops Direct Copyright Infringement Claim From MPAA Lawsuit Against Hotfile

A federal judge has dismissed a copyright infringement claim filed by the MPAA against Hotfile, but is allowing a claim of secondary infringement to proceed. The MPAA had alleged that Hotfile induces consumers to download films and tv episodes copyrighted by MPAA members, simply by making its site so easy to use.

 

"In less than two years Hotfile has become one of the 100 most trafficked sites in the world. That is a direct result of the massive digital theft that Hotfile promotes. Everyday Hotfile is responsible for the theft of thousands of MPAA member companies‟ movies and TV shows - including movies still playing in theaters - many of which are stolen repeatedly, thousands of times a day, every single day," said Daniel Mandil, General Counsel & Chief Content Protection Officer for the MPAA. "The theft taking place on Hotfile is unmistakable. Their files are indeed „hot,‟ as in „stolen.‟ It‟s wrong and it must stop." (from the MPAA press release, dated Feb. 8, 2011).