Los Angeles - TorrentSpy, a BitTorrent tracker site that lost a copyright infringement suit filed by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) last year, has been ordered by a federal judge to pay a massive $110 million in damages. "This substantial money judgment sends a strong message about the illegality of these sites," said Dan Glickman, chairman and CEO of the MPAA. "The demise of TorrentSpy is a clear victory for the studios and demonstrates that such pirate sites will not be allowed to continue to operate without facing relentless litigation by copyright holders."

U.S. District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper also issued a permanent injunction against any future copyright infringement by Valence Media, the company behind TorrentSpy.

TorrentSpy had already shut down permanently on March 24, with a note on its website referring to "the legal climate in the USA," and a desire to provide privacy protection for its users.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/27sgr (PDF: MPAA statement)

http://snipurl.com/27sgu (DMW previous coverage)

http://snipurl.com/27sio (Ars Technica)

http://www.torrentspy.com