Japanese file-sharers settle copyright litigation

Two file-sharers in Japan have settled with a consortium of 23 record companies after being caught illegally uploading over 800 music files using the WinMX file-sharing client. They have each agreed to pay over $11,000 in damages, and have signed declarations promising to never violate copyrights ever again. Interestingly, the labels took action against the file-sharers after being tipped off by the infringers' internet service providers. Presumably Japanese ISPs have a different view on their role in policing piracy than their counterparts over here.