Music downloaders sued

US recording companies have filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 754 computer users in the latest round of legal action in the industry’s effort to stop unauthorised swapping of music online.

Among the named defendants were 20 computer users suspected of swapping songs over university networks, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, a trade group for the largest music companies.

As in previous cases, the new lawsuits were filed against ”John Doe” defendants – identified only by their numeric internet protocol addresses.

Music company lawyers must obtain the identity of defendants by issuing subpoenas to internet access providers.