Single Mother Wins $108,000 Against RIAA

by Rob Walker | May 15, 2008 at 11:43 am

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Every nerd's personal hero, Tanya Anderson, was awarded $108,000 by an Oregon federal magistrate who succesfully fought a lawsuit filed by the recording industry against her.

Accusing the (Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) of using threats and intimidation to wage a war against alleged illegal file downloaders, the Beaverton single mother decided to fight back in court - and won.

Now she's in the midst of a class-action lawsuit against the RIAA in a case that could have wide-ranging implications for the controversial conglomerate, which was awarded the ability to issue its own subpeonas a few years ago, taking the justice system out of the loop and putting judicial, legally binding powers in the hands of a group of corporations.

Speculation ranged as to the RIAA's reply to the lawsuit, with many people assuming they will try to get Anderson to settle. However, Anderson has stated this goes far beyond money and is intent on taking the suit through to the finish. Especially concerning to the RIAA is the discovery process, which will open up their investigation and alleged intimidation to public and judicial review.

Read previous NowPublic coverage here.

An Oregon federal magistrate has awarded nearly $108,000 to a Beaverton single mother who said the recording industry falsely accused her of illegally downloading music.
The money represents Tanya Andersen's attorney fees and costs in successfully fighting a lawsuit filed by the recording industry against her.

The attorney fee award is separate from a national class action lawsuit Andersen filed against the recording industry last year.

Andersen's legal battle with the Recording Industry Association of America has gained national attention as a case of David vs. Goliath. Her suit accuses the industry of a waging a "campaign of threat and intimidation" against her and others who have never illegally downloaded music.