Guide Note

The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents many record labels, media conglomerates, and distributors. They are vocal and controversial advocates of copyright enforcement and have filed numerous lawsuits on behalf of the companies they represent.

Fast Facts

1. Private, not-for-profit company
2. Industry: Music recording
3. Phone: (202) 775-0101
4. Fax: (202) 775-7253
5. HQ: Washington, DC
6. Chairman/CEO: Mitch Bainwol
7. President: Cary Sherman
8. Staff: 111
9. Mission: To "foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality"
10. Represents the "Big Four" record labels: EMI, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group
11. Certifies album sales as Gold (500,000 sold), Platinum (1 million), Diamond (10 million)
12. Has filed lawsuits against Napster, Verizon, and others

The RIAA has been a key player in the fight against music piracy, particularly on the Internet. They have filed lawsuits against file sharing services and music fans who have illegally downloaded songs through those services. The association singled out 12 cities as major areas for copyright infringement offenders including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Miami.