San Francisco - A letter purportedly sent by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to a number of Internet service providers — that was leaked and posted online — asks ISPs to help persuade suspected file-swappers to settle RIAA lawsuits out of court, and also to circumvent the legal process by sending file-swappers copyright notices without a subpoena.

The letter was originally posted on the Recording Industry vs. The People blog, and linked to by Wired News.

In it, the RIAA asks ISPs to tell suspected file-swapper subscribers that the cost of their copyright infringement claim settlement with the RIAA would be discounted $1,000, if they agree to settle out of court.

The letter also asks ISPs themselves to send form letters to subscribers suspected by the RIAA of file-sharing, suggesting that they contact the RIAA to begin a settlement process.

Federal courts have ruled that the RIAA cannot rely solely on a user's nickname on a file-sharing account to file a copyright lawsuit. They must first file a "John Doe" suit, which eventually requires the ISP to reveal to them the identity of the suspected file-swapper as part of a court discovery process.

The letter also reveals the RIAA plans to launch a website, P2PLawsuits.com, which would offer "information about the copyright lawsuits that should facilitate early settlement."

Related Links:

http://tinyurl.com/2e68mk (Recording Industry vs. The People)

http://blog.wired.com/music/2007/02/leaked_riaa_let.html

http://www.p2plawsuits.com