Sharman issued 'a number of DMCA notices'

Sharman Networks, Kazaa's owner, admits it has issued a number of DMCA notices to search engines and web hosting companies, "and other key parties involved in misappropriating both the Kazaa brand and the core technology behind KMD".

We weren't sure if reports that Sharman is actually using the DMCA in its efforts to stop the world at large from making enquiries into Kazaa Lite could be accurate, despite the fact the source - Chilling Effects - is reliable.

But you know ? .....

So we asked Sharman and received the email below:

"Issuance of DMCA notices and cease and desist letters
"September 3, 2003

"Sharman Networks Limited, owner of Kazaa Media Desktop (KMD), recently issued a number of DMCA notices to search engines and web hosting companies, and cease and desist letters to scam sites, cyber squatters and other key parties involved in misappropriating both the Kazaa brand and the core technology behind KMD.

"These letters, issued by Sharman's attorneys in the US, Australia and Europe, were sent to a number of parties who have used the Kazaa name and software to mislead consumers in a number of ways. These include paying for the free version of the Kazaa Media Desktop; misleading consumers into believing third party software is distributed or supported by Sharman; misleading consumers into believing that their websites are operated by Sharman and delivering hacked, corrupt or otherwise unauthorized software.

"The misleading sites damage the reputation of the Kazaa Media Desktop, lead to consumer confusion and complaints, deceive consumers into providing payment (and related billing information) to organizations that knowingly and without authorization, deliver the free version of the Kazaa Media Desktop to consumers who believe they are dealing with an authorized distributor.

"Some of these sites also deliver hacked versions of the application and unauthorized add-ons. Hacked versions present a significant threat to the stability and security of users’ computers by taking the certified Kazaa software and making unstable and potentially damaging modifications. Modified applications have been found to crash frequently and create instabilities. In some cases the hacked versions have reconfigured users' registry settings and removed security options such as built-in anti-virus protection that Sharman Networks provides free to protect users’ security and integrity.

"Sharman Networks is committed to the protection of its users, its software and the significant investment it has made in the current technology and future innovations of KMD.

"The success of KMD has been built on Sharman's commitment to re-invest in the technology that drives the most downloaded peer-to-peer application."