Jammie Thomas-Rasset loses 3rd file sharing trial, faces $1.5M fine

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and its ongoing legal drama with Jammie Thomas-Rasset is one step closer to an end now that the Minnesota woman has lost her third trial in a row.

The Minnesota woman was sued for illegally downloaded and sharing 24 copyrighted songs through Kazaa She has now been through three separate trials attempting to fight off the accusations. She has been locked in a constant battle with the RIAA since 2006, and it doesn't look like it's going to end.

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She was originally ordered to pay only $222,000 in financial restitution, but a retrial took place and $1.92 million in damages was then awarded to the plaintiff. The judge eventually said that Thomas-Rasset only had to pay $54,000 -- and the RIAA gave her the option of settling for $25,000. Instead, Thomas-Rasset decided to request another retrial.

After losing each trial, Thomas-Rasset hoped to be able to either have the fine thrown out completely, or have it reduced to a lower amount.

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Thomas-Rasset's attorneys have stated that she doesn't plan to pay the fine, with an expected argument that the copyright fines are unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the RIAA wants Thomas-Rasset to end the games and admit guilt, as the controversial trade group looks to leave behind the long winded saga.

Thomas-Rasset can feel free to continue playing these games, but it won't do any good in the long run. The RIAA has already invested a significant amount of time and money into the case, and isn't going to let her off the hook any time soon. Not surprisingly, the Department of Justice (DoJ) supported the $1.92 million dollar ruling and will back the courts and the RIAA's efforts to make the defendant pay the fine.

The likelihood of a fourth jury ruling in her favor seems even more unlikely, and the court appears to be tired of the continued legal actions.  The RIAA has paid a significant sum to collect very little in damages, but wanted to send a message that piracy won't be tolerated.

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