Grokster To Users: "You Are Not Anonymous"

Grokster, the file-sharing network that shutdown after it lost its legal battle with Hollywood, has beefed up its shuttered site's warning against illegal copying of music and movies, apparently in preparation for launching a legal service.

Visitors to Grokster now see their own IP address with the warning that it has been logged.

"Don't think you can't get caught," the site says. "You are not anonymous."

The page also includes links to get more information on copyright law from the Motion Picture Association of America and a music industry group called the Music United for Strong Internet Copyright Coalition.

The beefed up warning appeared as Grokster prepares to re-launch as a legal file-sharing service. The one-time renegade changed its tactics after a Supreme Court ruling last year that favored movie studios and record companies. Both industries sued Grokster to stop illegal file sharing on its peer-to-peer network.

Grokster has reportedly been in talks with Mashboxx LLC, a legal file-sharing service expected to launch this year. Mashboxx has agreed to buy Grokster for $1, plus a small share of future revenue, The Wall Street Journal reported in November.

No official announcement has been made, and Mashboxx Chairman Wayne Rosso, former chief executive of Grokster, on Wednesday declined comment.

In shutting down the site in November, Groskster said its new legal service, called Grokster 3G, would be available soon, and offered an email address to anyone who wanted to participate in the upcoming beta.