One year after landmark Grokster decision, file-sharing continues to grow

A year after the Supreme Court’s landmark Grokster decision — which set out to curb online theft of music and movies — illegal-file sharing is as popular as ever even as Silicon Valley technologists and Hollywood moguls continue their awkward embrace.

The court’s unanimous decision that Internet file-sharing services can be sued if they encourage people to use their sophisticated software to steal copyrighted material was hailed as a victory by the entertainment world.

But the ruling, which also detailed protections for technology companies, hasn’t stopped the lawsuits and acrimony between the two sides. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) continues to file lawsuits against tech companies. And in just the last year, the association has filed some 6,000 suits against individuals it says are stealing material.

But changes are occurring, if for no other reason than the entertainment world needs the new distribution channels Silicon Valley can provide, while technology companies depend on content from rock stars and Hollywood to attract audiences.

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