Tech Shout!

Universal Music Group has filed a suit against leading online Social networking site, MySpace on the grounds that MySpace has violated copyrights of artists that Universal represents.

Universal Music Group dues MySpace claiming that the online social-networking hub illegally encourages its users to share music as well as music videos on the site without their permission.

Universal Music Group is now seeking unspecified damages, including up to $ 150,000 for each unauthorized music video or song posted on the MySpace Web site.

This lawsuit is the latest legal catfight in a much wider and bigger conflict between established media against Internet companies whose technology is now challenging the traditional ways of music, video and other content that is freely distributed and consumed.

In its complaint, filed in U.S. District Court, Universal Music contends MySpace, attempts to shield itself from liability by requiring users agree to grant the Web site a license to publish the content they upload to the site. Users, however, have no such authority over works they don’t own.

MySpace site also “encourages, facilitates and participates in the unauthorized reproduction, adaptation, distribution and public performance,” according to the suit.

Universal contends that much of the media posted by users of MySpace is not user-generated at all, but actually music and videos stolen from copyright owners. “MySpace is a willing partner in that theft,” the lawsuit claims.

MySpace issued a statement saying it is in full compliance with copyright laws and is confident it will prevail in court. “We have been keeping UMG closely apprised of our industry-leading efforts to protect creators’ rights, and it’s unfortunate they decided to file this unnecessary and meritless litigation,” the statement read. “We provide users with tools to share their own work — we do not induce, encourage, or condone copyright violation in any way.”