Attempts by the International Federation Of The Phonographic
Industry to close down a Russian music site selling downloads for as little as five pence have faltered because Moscow officials say current Russian law doesn't deal with the theft of "intangible assets". The website in question, allofmp3.com, claims it has a proper licence to trade from relevant Russian royalty bodies - however the IFPI is not convinced and had begun legal proceedings. But those in the know say little can be achieved through the Moscow courts without a change in Russian law. If that proves to be the case the IFPI will be in the tricky position of having inadvertently raised the global profile of the website which, until proven otherwise, continues to sell bargain downloads legally.