Copyright Information

• LimeWire Users

  LimeWire is legal software, but it is illegal for you to use LimeWire to share copyrighted files without permission. Purchasing LimeWire PRO does not constitute a license for obtaining or distributing unauthorized files. When you download LimeWire software from www.limewire.com, you agree to refrain from using LimeWire for the purpose of copyright infringement.

  Sharing files in your Library

  Everything you share with LimeWire becomes public and trackable. To check which files you're sharing, open LimeWire and click on "Shared Files" in the upper-left directory. Clicking on the folders (and sub-folders) will show the files you're sharing. To use LimeWire legally, you must have the owner's permission to share every file in your Library on the Gnutella network. For example, music and movies from major labels and movie studios are copyrighted, and you do not have permission to share these files (even if you bought them). If you're having trouble determining if a file is OK to share, here are a few ideas that may help:

  • Look in the "License" column within the LimeWire program to see if a file has a shareable license type.

  • Files that another user has published as Creative Commons appear as . A file with a verified Creative Commons license is legal to share. You can verify a specific file by right-clicking on the CC icon, selecting "View License" and selecting "Verify". Files with unverified Creative Commons licenses may still be illegal to share.

  • Weedshare files appear as in the License column, and can be legally shared. These files have DRM (Digital Rights Management) that allows users to play the file three times for free before deciding to buy.

  • Search for a registration with the US Copyright Office database. A work may still be copyrighted and illegal to share even if it's not registered with the US Copyright Office.

  • Check out www.magnetmix.com for more songs and videos that are free and legal to share.

  Downloading files on the Gnutella network

  There are many programs other than LimeWire that connect users to the Gnutella network. Keep in mind that many users disobey copyright law -- downloading copyrighted files from such users means you're both breaking the law!

  LimeWire filtering features

  The LimeWire filtering feature is designed to help users share legally while protecting copyright owners. When filtering is enabled, LimeWire checks the status of the files before downloading them. If a copyright owner has requested that a file not be shared, LimeWire prohibits the downloading of that file. Enabling Filtering helps users share files with LimeWire more safely and responsibly. At the time of installation, you will be prompted to select your filtering options. At any time, you can set Filtering Options by selecting 'Filters' in the menu and then 'Configure Content Filters'. This will open the 'Content' section of 'Filters' in the Options dialog, and allow you to check the 'Enable Content Filters' checkbox.

  Right now, our filtering blacklist is not comprehensive and many copyrighted files may still be available on the network. Our goal is to eventually filter out all files that copyright owners do not wish to be shared with LimeWire. We are working to make the Filtering System as effective and error-proof as possible. If you are a copyright owner, you can register to participate in the filtering system here.

  LimeWire User Privacy

  Lime Wire respects the privacy of its users. Lime Wire does not log IP addresses and/or any other identifying information. However, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be required by disclose such information.

  What happens if I commit copyright infringement?

  Your activities on peer-to-peer networks such as LimeWire's may be monitored by copyright owners. By committing copyright infringement your risks include significant settlement fees if you are sued. Copyright owners have sued thousands of people for online copyright infringement. Don't be the next one!

  Where can I get more information about peer-to-peer and copyright?

  More information on music and movie copyrights is available at the RIAA and MPAA websites.

• Copyright Owners

  Lime Wire respects the concerns of copyright owners, and is developing tools to help protect their works from online copyright infringement. Lime Wire's Filtering System was developed to give copyright owners control over their content. If you are a copyright owner and would like to learn more about how Lime Wire's filtering system can help protect your works, please click here.

  Register or sign in to Lime Wire's Filtering System.