As the focus of the digital copyright wars shifted from courts to Congress in 2002, Hollywood took over the role of chief antagonist to file-swappers and other advocates of the rights of digital consumers.

New file-trading networks Kazaa and Morpheus solidified their positions as Napster's replacements after the erstwhile song-swapping champ scrambled unsuccessfully to launch its paid service. A falling out between the newcomers ultimately saw Kazaa take an unambiguous lead, while Napster faded to black.

As it became clear that peer-to-peer networks weren't disappearing despite court rulings, Washington policymakers stepped in. Legislators proposed several far-reaching measures, including suggestions that would require all computers or other digital devices to have built-in copy-protection technology. Some went so far as to propose that copyright holders could use hacking techniques to attack file-swapping networks where copyright infringements were allegedly taking place.

The proposals pitted Hollywood and technology companies against each other, but with Congress distracted by national security issues, copyright measures made little progress.

The copyright community then turned to new tactics to stem online piracy. The record labels' trade association fought with Internet service providers in court over blocking pirate sites at the network level and gaining access to individual subscribers' personal information. The labels also began warning colleges and businesses to police their networks for people who might be infringing on copyrights.

By year's end, the action had shifted back to the courts. A judge ordered Madster, once known as Aimster, to shut down. Another court heard arguments over Kazaa's and Morpheus' future, and the first criminal prosecution under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ends in an acquittal.

Kazaa steps out of the shadows
The developers of the Kazaa technology sell the software to an Australian company called Sharman Networks. The move helps Kazaa replace Napster at the top of the file-swapping pack.

Morpheus: Blackouts and bill collectors
One of the most widely used file-swapping networks goes dark overnight, bolstering record companies' contention that the services can be controlled.

Antipiracy bill finally sees Senate
Sen. Ernest Hollings introduces a bill that would require antipiracy technology to be included in computers, stereos, TVs and all other "digital devices," setting off a firestorm of protest.

D.C. antipiracy plans fuel culture clash
Detente between Hollywood and tech companies breaks down as ill-disguised warfare erupts in Washington and online.

Ruling bolsters file-traders' prospects
Embattled Internet song- and movie-swappers are given new hope by a Dutch court ruling protecting the legality of popular file-trading software.

Hollywood hacking bill hits House
Rep. Howard Berman seeks to give copyright holders the power to use hackers' techniques to attack file-swapping networks, eliciting more protest from Net activists.

Music body presses antipiracy case
Record labels seek to sue Verizon Communications for a file-swapper's personal information, in a possible prelude to a first lawsuit against an individual.

Napster buyout blocked; fire sale likely
Napster's last chance for a corporate bailout in bankruptcy court falls through, and the once-proud service's technology is later sold off at cut-rate prices.

Girding for copyright fights
ISPs protest several new copyright holders' legal strategies, saying they threaten to put service providers squarely in the middle of the copyright wars.

What the 2002 election means for tech
Republicans take over Congress, making it less likely that the Hollywood-backed copyright proposals will be successful in 2003.

ElcomSoft verdict: Not guilty
In a crucial test of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a jury acquits a Russian software company of criminal copyright charges related to selling a program that can crack antipiracy protections.