The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced Thursday that 459 legal actions against music uploaders will be filed in Europe as part of its campaign against illegal file-sharing. The actions will focus on the UK and France, Europe's largest music markets, but are also being brought in Italy, Denmark, Germany and Austria.

In conjunction with the IFPI press conference, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) said it will sue 28 "major uploaders" who are illegally swapping music online, saying they are "effectively stealing the livelihoods of thousands of artists and the people who invest in them." As previously reported on JURIST's Paper Chase, BPI issued a warning in March that it would take legal action against users of peer-to-peer music services. BPI Chairman Peter Jamieson said Thursday that "we have done everything we can to raise awareness of this problem. But we believe we would be derelict in our duty to protect and promote British music were we not to take action." Watch recorded video of Jamieson's press conference. BPI has this press release and background on illegal file-sharing. IFPI offers FAQ on its campaign against illegal file-sharing and has additional background on the lawsuits. BBC News has more.