UMG vs. EFF

In May 2007 Universal Music Group sued a Los Angeles-based trader on eBay. Troy Augusto, who runs the business called "Roast Beast Music Collectibles", makes a living selling rare albums he bought at second-hand record stores.

UMG is suing Augusto for copyright infringement. They are saying that some of the items he offered for sale online were promotional copies and were not authorized for sale to the public.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights lobby group, is taking on the case on Augusto's behalf and is counter-suing Universal.

In regards to promotional copies, for quite some time record companies have maintained that they own these items and may ask for them to be returned at any time.

Due to the promo items that were contained in the eBay auctions from Mr Augusto, this is the argument that is close to being tested in court.

UMG's lawyers allege "Augusto's unauthorized distribution of the UMG promo CDs violated UMG's exclusive right to distribute its copyrighted works" in legal documents filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California.

This is a battle that will possibly shake things up for a bit.