In light of recent industry and government communications on the critical importance of initiatives designed to confront online piracy, the NARM Board of Directors states:

“For more than a decade, copyright infringement online has been inflicting damage on the entire music community, from songwriters to artists to labels to retailers, and all those whose livelihoods depend on the ability to sell music legitimately. The damage from online piracy is being felt, not just in the loss of individual jobs, but in the loss of businesses, opportunities for artistic careers, tax revenues, and investments in a vibrant and diverse music industry. Consumer choice in a healthy and competitive music marketplace is also being thwarted.

The music industry has a very real problem that demands real solutions and something must be done about it now. The music industry cannot fight piracy on its own, so we must draw attention to the situation and get everyone in a position to help engaged in the fight to confront this illegal behavior head-on. NARM is committed to working with the industry to support educational efforts regarding piracy and innovative new business models that will provide compelling and competitive alternatives for consumers to buy or access music.”

Earlier this week, Universal Music Group Distribution President & CEO Jim Urie distributed a “Call To Action” message to the industry, following up on his comments at last month’s NARM Convention in Chicago. And, just yesterday, the Obama administration unveiled a government-wide strategy to crack down on piracy and counterfeit goods, adding more than 50 FBI agents this year to tackle intellectual property abuses. Online piracy and the sale of counterfeit goods on the Web are growing rapidly across a range of industries, including entertainment, software and pharmaceutical markets.

For more information about the 2010 Joint Strategic Plan On IP Enforcement, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/06/22/releasing-joint-strategic-plan-combat-intellectual-property-theft

For RIAA’s comments on the release of the 2010 Joint Strategic Plan On IP Enforcement, visit http://www.riaa.org/newsitem.php?id=C885CEFA-FF3B-0418-C4EF-FBB80BF9BEEB

For more information on the “Call To Action” issued by Jim Urie, visit www.musicrightsnow.org