Closing arguments were recently heard in a Sydney courtroom, but no new ground was covered. The record labels accused Sharman of facilitating massive copyright infringements, while Sharman claimed it has no control over how its software might be used, saying that it was no more responsible for infringing activities than makers of photocopiers or video recorders.

Sharman lawyer Tony Meagher told the court that Sharman warns against using the Kazaa software for distributing copyrighted works, and that such a warning is posted on the company’s Web site as well as within the software’s licensing agreement, leading the judge to ask whether or not most people actually read such agreements.

“One is entitled to use one’s general experience that most people don’t read through legal documents unless they regard them as critically important,” Judge Murray Wilcox said.

In response to Sharman’s standard “we’re not responsible” argument, record company lawyers claimed that Sharman monitors Kazaa users, and that the company’s claim of having no control over its users was “completely mind boggling.”

If victorious in court, the record companies want Sharman and its directors declared liable for copyright infringements as well as loss of earnings. A verdict is expected within about six weeks.