At least if the RIAA has its way:
http://recordingindustryvspeople.blo...-brief-in.html
From the RIAA brief, page 15:
"Virtually all of the sound recordings on Exhibit B are in the “.mp3” format. (Exhibit 10 to SOF, showing virtually all audio files with the “.mp3” extension.) Defendant admitted that he converted these sound recordings from their original format to the .mp3 format for his and his wife’s use. (Howell Dep. 107:24 to 110:2; 114:1 to 116:16). The .mp3 format is a “compressed format [that] allows for rapid transmission of digital audio files from one computer to another by electronic mail or any other file transfer protocol.” Napster, 239 F.3d at 1011. Once Defendant converted Plaintiffs’ recording into the compressed .mp3 format and they are in his shared folder, they are no longer the authorized copies distributed by Plaintiffs."
For now they are trying to use this against people sharing files over P2P networks, but if this stands it means that music, like DVDs, can't be moved to other devices for personal use without infringement of the DMCA. As pointed out in the site, the RIAA claimed in the past that making copies for personal use was legal and authorized. Now that they have the DMCA through, they are changing their tune...
- Josh