US music men to sue internet pirates

AMERICA'S music industry trade group - at war with internet song swappers - says lawsuits could be filed against alleged pirates as early as next week.

But the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) added it was now intent on going after only the most serious offenders, pulling back from suggestions that it could sue millions of users.

'RIAA is gathering evidence and preparing lawsuits only against individual computer users who are illegally distributing a substantial amount of copyrighted music,' the trade group's president Cary Sherman said in a letter to US Senator Norm Coleman.

In April the RIAA engaged in much fiercer sabre rattling, sending millions of instant messages to net song swappers, saying they may face 'legal penalties'.

The RIAA claims the online song swapping is a breach of copyright and deprives the industry of billions of dollars.

In recent months the RIAA has sought to compel internet service providers to hand over information on users whom it suspects are heavy file swappers.

A spokesman for the RIAA said the first lawsuits would probably be filed next week or at the start of September.