FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT BY JACK VALENTI
President and CEO, Motion Picture Association of America
On the District Court Decision on Grokster and StreamCast (Morpheus)

We were surprised and disappointed by the ruling overall. We strongly believe that those who encourage, facilitate and profit from piracy are breaking the law and should be held accountable.  The court noted that a significant proportion of these defendants' advertising revenue depends upon the infringement.  Moreover, the Court made it clear that the activity of users of file-copying networks to distribute copyrighted music, motion pictures and television programs is illegal - it's not "sharing," it's stealing .  Today's ruling does not  condone such activity, nor is it an invitation to distribute and  copy works without the permission of the owners of copyright . We will continue our ongoing efforts to fight piracy on all levels - from educating the public about the value of protecting copyrighted works to pursuing our legal claims against infringers - and fully intend to appeal this decision.

April 25, 2003