September 25, 2006 ― The Tokyo District Court ordered 3 major Internet service providers (ISPs) to disclose names and addresses of 19 users who had illegally uploaded music files by file sharing software, in favor of claims by 14 plaintiffs (RIAJ members and affiliates) (see Exhibit).

   Early this year, the plaintiffs requested ISPs to disclose user details (name and address) who had uploaded unauthorized music files made from commercial sound recordings, by file sharing software. The request was made in compliance with Article 4 (1) of “The law of restrictions on the liability for damages of specified telecommunications service providers and the right to demand disclosure of identity information of the sender.” Those 3 ISPs responded they would not disclose user details without any court ruling. Thereby, the plaintiffs filed this law case in May, seeking a court order.

   Receiving user details from those ISPs by the court order, the plaintiffs will make a contact with disclosed users to seek payment for damages from their illegal activities.