AARC sues over in-dash CD ripping

PUMPING THE BRAKES: The Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies (AARC) has filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Ford, GM and electronics firms Denso and Clarion for royalties over digital recording technology for the car. The suit was filed under the Audio Home Recording Act (AHRA) and pertains to in-dash systems that let drivers rip CDs for audio file storage. GM’s advertised 10GB “digital jukebox” is cited specifically, but all parties, AARC’s Executive Director Linda R. Bocchi alleged in an open letter, owe royalties for such tech after refusing to negotiate a compromise; indeed, AARC says it was “stonewalled at every turn” by the defendants in the suit. Noted one observer under 30, "What's a CD?" In a related story, if you’re ripping discs in your car, please cut it the fuck out and watch the road. (7/28a)