First round of online music-trading suits is filed

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The music industry's largest trade group filed 261 copyright lawsuits across the country against Internet users who trade songs online, an aggressive campaign to discourage piracy through fears of expensive civil penalties or settlements.
The Recording Industry Association of America warned it ultimately may file thousands of cases. Its first round Monday was aimed at what it described as "major offenders" illegally distributing on average more than 1,000 copyrighted music files each. The RIAA did not identify for reporters which Internet users it was suing or where they live. Federal courthouses in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas and elsewhere reported receiving some lawsuits.