MGM v. Grokster

What happened?

MGM movie and song producer. Similar peer to peer program as Napster, illegal distribution of copyrighted movies and songs. Grokster tried to build off from Napster’s downfall.

 

Who won?

MGM

 

Why did they win?

Answered questions

Court of Appeals (pro Grokster) misapplied Sony.

“One who distributes a device with the object of promoting its use to infringe copyright, as shown by clear expression or other affirmative steps taken to foster infringement by third parties. We are of course mindful of the need to keep from trenching on regular commerce or discouraging the development of technologies with lawful and unlawful potential.

 

How did the witnesses play a role (how did they go back and forth in their argument)? Judges focused on reinterpreting Sony. Majority agreed that Court of Appeals applies Sony incorrectly in the decision