What are the consequences of letting people download mp3's for free. Eventhough the artist is foreign and is dead?

THank you!!!

SESaskDFC

Howdy:

If there is a copywrite, then it is illegal..

Doesn't matter if the artist is alive, dead or in suspended animation !!

Murray

psi42

It really depends on a few factors:

1) This license said audio is distributed under. Some artists release their music under a license that allows it to be redistributed...

2) The copyright laws in effect where you live.

ScottGem

The consequences are you could be sued by the copyright holder for damages.

When the RIAA filed suit against chronic sharers the settlements ranged from $1500-$15000.

There is also a matter of conscience here. If you are violating the copyright (and I don't know whether you are or not), you are committing an illegal and unethical action.

Bottom line is, you need to determine the status of the copyright (Copyright laws are international, though they do vary. Death does not end a copyright as it passes to the estate of the holder.) If the copyright is still in effect then don't do it without permission.