LimeWire: Legal or Illegal

LimeWire is a free peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P) client for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and other operating systems supported by the Java software platform.
Is it Legal?
LimeWire is completely legal. However, the purpose many people use it for is not. Downloading copyrighted music, videos, or programs without the permission of the author is illegal. This is called "copyright infringement" or "piracy." Calling LimeWire illegal would be like calling cars illegal because one could use it to run over somebody. It is just a tool
Just as having a magnet that could influence the wheels in a slot machine could sway you to using it illegally, so having software like Limewire can influence and encourage you to receive downloads of audio and video content that is indeed illegally distributed.

Here's how the Limewire folk respond to this question:

"Copyright laws and laws pertaining to patents and inventions protect original works of authorship and inventions. Individuals who reproduce, distribute copies, receive copies, publicly perform or display works or inventions other than their own and without the consent of the owners or holders of rights, or their authorized agents, in original works of authorship or inventions, may be in violation of copyright, patent or other intellectual property infringement. Lime Wire LLC does not encourage or condone the illegal copying of copyrighted material. This is not intended to be legal counsel or advice. If you have any questions, consult your attorney."

Of course, try downloading the Limewire application from their site and you'll find you have to answer a question that highlights that they are well aware of its most common use.

this article is not mine