Metallica: School Fight

By Stephen M. Silverman

Monday September 28, 1998 12:00 AM EDT

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The heavy metal rock band Metallica's lawsuit to ban Napster, the company responsible for software on college computer networks that allows the swapping of copyrighted songs for free on the Internet, is causing some action. Yale and Indiana Universities, both named in the suit, have been dropped for banning Napster since the lawsuit was filed on April 13. "We appreciate the prompt and responsible reaction," Metallica said in a statement on Thursday. While assuming no liability for having provided its students access to Napster, Indiana U., through a spokesperson, told Reuters: "Our faculty, staff and students could incur legal exposure if they use this technology. Until those unresolved legal issues are clarified, it seems prudent to block the site." Also named in the suit is the University of Southern California. The San Mateo, Calif.-based Napster says it intends to fight Metallica's lawsuit.