Megaupload Seeks Lawsuit Dismissal

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ver since the U.S. government launched what it called one of “the largest criminal copyright cases ever brought by the United States” against Megaupload, people following the case have wondered what Megaupload’s response would be. Now we know. Kim Dotcom, Megaupload’s founder, and his legal team have asked a Virginia federal court to dismiss the government’s case (for those unfamiliar with the case, here's a brief summary) .

Their claim is that the U.S. government violated Megaupload’s right to due process by putting the company out of business before they were charged with any wrongdoing. Furthermore, Megaupload is claiming that the U.S has no jurisdiction. 

"Megaupload does not have an office in the United States, nor has it had one previously," Megaupload's motion states. "Service of a criminal summons on Megaupload is therefore impossible."

A similar claim was made in April by U.S. District Court Judge Liam O’Grady, who claimed the trial might never take place, since criminal charges were never formally filed.

Whether you believe that Megaupload should be punished for copyright violations, they certainly are entitled to due process. There’s little doubt that the current copyright laws are not suited to the modern world, and many people have already called for them to be overhauled.

Besides, we can’t help but think that the U.S. courts have more important matters to deal with than to be the private police for the entertainment industry.