As you are talking about the RIAA I take it you are referring to USA; do I take it then that breach of copyright is a criminal offence in USA?? In United Kingdom (and other countries which have adopted the Berne Convention) breach of copyright is a civil offence, a "tort". It is up to the Plaintiff to seek damages from the Respondent in the civil court. In practice music copyright owners would licence their right to a music publisher/record company and the action would normally be undertaken by the British Phonographics Industry, which seems to have adopted the role of music industry policeman, citing the terms of the 'Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988' (as amended) but it is still a civil action.