Court upholds $675,000 verdict against Boston student who illegally shared songs online
BOSTON – A $675,000 verdict against a former Boston University student who illegally downloaded and shared songs on the Internet has been upheld.
A jury ordered Providence, R.I., resident Joel Tenenbaum to pay $22,500 for each of 30 songs after the Recording Industry Association of America sued him on behalf of four record labels.
Tenenbaum argued the $675,000 award violates his due process rights because it’s not tied to the injury he caused. He estimates that to be no more than $450, or the cost of 30 albums.
A federal appeals court Tuesday found Tenenbaum’s conduct was “egregious” because he illegally shared songs for years despite numerous warnings.
The U.S. Supreme Court last year declined to hear Tenenbaum’s appeal.
Tenenbaum says he can’t comment on the ruling.
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