With groups from both the recording and motion picture industries still threatening to file lawsuits against businesses for their employees’ downloading habits, organizations must do more than plead ignorance as the basis for their defense, said an Internet and computer lawyer from Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
Melissa Klipp said in a recent news release that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) are now shifting their attention away from individual home computer users illegally downloading and sharing copyrighted music and movie files to corporate users.
She warned that companies should monitor and enforce company policies, since the adoption of a policy in the first place will help to remove liability. In addition, businesses should also have mechanisms in place to ensure that their employees are actually reading these policies, such as providing periodic reminders.
Use of Internet monitoring software is another a top option for bosses, who should also reprimand employees who fail to follow Internet usage rules.
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